Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 20: Apni Party leaders and workers here today staged a peaceful protest demonstration outside the office of Director Social Welfare, Jammu against harassment to the old age pensioners because of re-verification formalities.
The protest was led by Apni Party Women Wing, Provincial president Jammu, Pavneet Kour and the protesters also demanded enhancement of old age pension from Rs. 1000 to Rs. 5000 keeping in view the price of essential commodities and medicines.
The protest was also joined by District president Women Wing, Ritu Pandita; spokesperson and vice president Youth Wing, Raqeeq Ahmed Khan; Provincial president, Jammu Youth Wing, Vipul Bali; Shivani Koul, Sheekha Bhardwaj, Renu Rajput, Harbir Kour, Anshu, Shenaz, Tirath Singh, Yash Choudhary, Rajinder Singh, Devinder Gill and others.
As the protesters gathered outside the office of Director Social Welfare, cops stopped them from proceeding inside the office complex but ultimately they were allowed to meet Director Social Welfare.
During interaction with Director Social Welfare, Apni Party leaders submitted a memorandum of demands.
Pavneet Kour said that the Director was informed about difficulties being faced by old age pensioners because of the tough verification process.
“These formalities should be simplified and special camps should be organized for the old age pensioners at their villages and blocks to ensure that they are not harassed,” she said.
Kour said that health camps should also be organized by Social Welfare Department for elderly population. She also demanded proper verification in the distribution of scooty and wheel chairs to the disabled people in J&K.
After hearing Apni Party leaders, the Director assured to look into their demands.
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