The Central Secretariat Service (CSS) Forum has formally launched the 'CSS Shield' initiative, a structured mutual support program designed to provide financial assistance to bereaved families of deceased CSS officers. The program operates on the principle of 'Contribute for Family, Support with Dignity' and aims to ensure a dependable mechanism for the service community to support colleagues' families during times of sudden loss.
Under the initiative, the Forum seeks to provide at least ₹15 lakh to each bereaved family, with plans to progressively enhance this amount as participation increases. Historically, even before formalization, CSS officers have collectively contributed approximately ₹1.30 crore since 2020, providing financial assistance to families of approximately 65-70 deceased officers, particularly during the COVID-19 period when multiple casualties occurred.
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh endorsed the initiative at its launch event, presenting financial assistance to families of two deceased officers - late Shri Mohan Chandra Bhatt, who served in various capacities in the Central Secretariat Service and other government organizations, and late Shri Rajendra Chandra, who served for nearly two decades in the Administration Division of the Department of Revenue. The Minister stated that such collective efforts create a new culture of standing by families in times of need and align with the Personnel Ministry's broader effort to make government service systems more responsive to employees and their families.
The initiative plans to expand its support mechanisms as participation grows among the approximately 13,000 CSS members, with future considerations including scholarships for children of deceased officers to provide extended assistance beyond the immediate period of loss. The program represents a formalization of previous voluntary support efforts, bringing greater consistency and predictability to the financial support provided to bereaved families of CSS officers.