There are various categories of pensioners in the State. Foremost of these is the class of retired Government functionaries. But besides these, there are various other categories like widows, aged persons, orphans, disabled persons, victims of natural calamities etc. who get little or more pension from the Government. Reports are coming in that pension cases of more than one lakh are pending for more than a year. These unfortunate people are running from pillar to post to collect their few hundred rupees of pension dues. The point is this: pension usually paid to destitute, handicapped and helpless people like widows and orphans is mean to provide them succour to meet their expenses on two square meals. If this is delayed not for days not for weeks not for months but for years, the entire scheme is defeated. Why a case should take a year or more to be finalized is the most curious thing. After all, to earn pension, one has to work life-long. And if the promised pension is not coming to him or her, it is a sad commentary on the efficiency of the Government functionaries. A total of 7143 cases under Integrated Social Security Scheme including 1250 old age pension, 1390 widows, and 4503 physically challenged persons are pending. When will their cases be settled and when will they get justice from the Government is anybody’s guess.
Follow our WhatsApp channel