Punjab Government Approves House Ceiling Allowance for Judicial Officers from July 2026
The Government of Punjab’s Finance Department has approved a monthly House Ceiling Allowance for judicial officers across Punjab, effective from 1 July 2026.
According to a notification issued in Lahore on 1 August 2026, the allowance was sanctioned following approval by the Punjab Provincial Cabinet in its 34th meeting held on 11 May 2026, along with the subsequent approval of the Chief Minister of Punjab.
The notification, bearing reference number FD.SR-IV 9-2/2025(LHC)-e-FOAS, specifies different monthly allowance amounts according to the designation and pay scale of judicial officers.
Monthly House Ceiling Allowance Rates
| Judicial Officer/Cadre | Monthly Allowance |
|---|---|
| District and Sessions Judge – BS-22 | Rs. 165,076 |
| District and Sessions Judge – BS-21 | Rs. 131,548 |
| Additional District and Sessions Judge | Rs. 109,296 |
| Senior Civil Judge | Rs. 86,610 |
| Civil Judge-cum-Judicial Magistrate | Rs. 66,411 |
The allowance will be applicable to eligible judicial officers with effect from 1 July 2026.
Conditions for Receiving the Allowance
The Finance Department has attached several conditions to the grant of the House Ceiling Allowance.
House Rent Allowance Will Be Discontinued
Judicial officers receiving the House Ceiling Allowance will no longer be entitled to receive the regular House Rent Allowance.
This means an officer cannot claim both allowances at the same time.
Certificate of Non-Allotment Required
The allowance will only be granted after the concerned District and Sessions Judge issues a certificate confirming that no official government residence has been allotted to the judicial officer.
Therefore, officers already occupying an official residence may not qualify for the House Ceiling Allowance.
Only One Spouse Can Receive the Allowance
Where both husband and wife are judicial officers and are posted in the same district, only one of them will be entitled to receive the allowance.
This condition has been introduced to prevent two House Ceiling Allowances from being claimed by the same household in one district.
No Impact on Pension or Gratuity
The House Ceiling Allowance will not be treated as part of an officer’s regular emoluments for calculating pension or gratuity.
As a result, the amount will provide monthly housing support but will not increase pensionary benefits after retirement.
Who Will Implement the Notification?
Copies of the notification have been forwarded to the Accountant General Punjab, Lahore, and all District Accounts Officers for information and necessary action.
The notification has also been circulated to relevant government and judicial authorities, including:
- Principal Secretary to the Governor of Punjab
- Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister of Punjab
- Secretary, Government of Punjab, Services and General Administration Department
- Registrar, Lahore High Court
- Relevant officers of the Punjab Finance Department
Purpose of the House Ceiling Allowance
The approved allowance is intended to assist eligible judicial officers with housing expenses where an official residence has not been provided.
The amount varies according to the officer’s designation and pay scale, with District and Sessions Judges in BS-22 receiving the highest monthly allowance of Rs. 165,076.
Eligible officers should obtain the required non-allotment certificate and contact their respective accounts offices for implementation under the prescribed rules.
