Railway Board (Finance Establishment)
RBE No. 07/2026 (Deputation)
Retiring from Foreign Service/PSU
Railway Deputation Rules 2026: Pension Fixation for Foreign Service (Rule 31 & 32)
- Status: Retrospective Effect Notified
- Authority: Railway Board (RBE 07/2026)
- Rules: Rule 31 & 32 of Pension Rules 2026
- Benefit: Pension allowed without Repatriation
What Changed: Retiring While on Deputation
A major relief has been granted to Railway officers and staff currently on deputation to PSUs (like CRIS, IRCTC, DFCCIL) or other Central Ministries. Under the newly notified Railway Services (Pension) Rules, 2026 (RBE No. 07/2026), the Board has given retrospective effect from 20.12.2021 to Rules 31 and 32. This ensures that employees retiring while on deputation do not face procedural hurdles in their pension settlement.
✅ Official Orders Issued
Authority: Railway Board (Order No. RBE 07/2026)
Explanatory Memorandum: “Rules 31, 32… have been given retrospective effect from 20th day of December, 2021… to provide benefit to railway servant who are on deputation at the time of retirement.”
The New Protocol: Rule 31 & 32 Explained
These rules harmonize Railway guidelines with the Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 2021.
✔ Rule 31: Deputation to Central/State Govt
- Provision: A Railway servant retiring while on deputation to another Government Department is eligible for pension based on the pay drawn in the Cadre (Parent Department) or the Deputation Post, whichever is beneficial (subject to specific conditions of the deputation terms).
- No Repatriation: Often, physical repatriation (joining back) just for one day to process pension is waived if administrative approval is granted.
✔ Rule 32: Foreign Service (PSUs/Autonomous)
- Provision: Covers employees on deputation to “Foreign Service” (e.g., PSUs).
- Contribution: Ensures that Pension Contribution and Leave Salary Contribution paid by the borrowing entity are accounted for correctly for qualifying service.
Retrospective Benefit Calculation
If you retired between Dec 2021 and Jan 2026 while on deputation, and faced issues like “Non-Counting of Deputation Pay” for pension or delays due to “Repatriation Issues,” you can now cite this order.
| Condition | Old Status | New Status (RBE 07/2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Retirement Venue | Must return to Parent Railway | Simplified (Rule 31/32) |
| Qualifying Service | Pending Contribution Disputes | Protected (Retrospective) |
| Applicable From | 2026 Notification Date | 20.12.2021 |
How to Respond (For Affected Retirees)
If your pension was settled without considering the full benefits of your deputation period (post-Dec 2021), submit a representation.
“To,
The Principal Financial Advisor (Pension),
[Zonal Railway].Subject: Review of Pension Settlement in light of RBE No. 07/2026 (Retrospective Effect).
Respected Sir,
I superannuated on [Date] while on deputation to [Organization Name].
My pension settlement was finalized on [Date]. However, I wish to bring to your notice that RBE No. 07/2026 has notified Rules 31 & 32 with retrospective effect from 20.12.2021.
In view of the above, I request you to review my case regarding [Mention specific issue: e.g., counting of last pay / deputation tenure] and release the arrears if any.Yours faithfully,
[Name]
Retd. [Designation] / PPO No: [Number]”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Foreign Service in Railways?
In Railway terms, “Foreign Service” means service in which a Railway servant receives his pay with the sanction of Government from any source other than the Consolidated Fund of India (e.g., Service in RITES, IRCON, KRCL, or State Corporations).
Why is the date 20.12.2021 important?
This is the date when the Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 2021 came into force for other Central Government employees. The Railway Board has now aligned its rules with the same effective date to ensure Railway employees are not disadvantaged.
