A significant number of vulnerable individuals, including elderly persons, widows and divorcees, women in distress, transgender people, and persons with disabilities, are struggling for survival as authorities of the Social Welfare Department have failed to release their meagre monthly pension since February of this year. In September of last year, the Government introduced new rules that required all beneficiaries to reapply on the SUGAM portal to continue receiving the benefits of the scheme. It forced already distressed individuals to navigate the bureaucracy and gather various documents such as domicile certificates, age certificates, Aadhaar, and disability certificates.
This pension money plays a crucial role in supporting the livelihoods of vulnerable individuals such as elderly people, widows and divorcees, women in distress, transgender people, and persons with disabilities. For many of them, this meagre Rs. 1000 pension serves as a lifeline, helping them meet basic needs and cover essential expenses. For elderly people who are not well off, this money partly contributes to their healthcare expenses, food to survive, and other daily necessities. Widows often face financial challenges, and this pension provides them with some stability, which alleviates their economic burden to some extent. Persons with disabilities often encounter additional financial challenges due to the need for specialised healthcare, assistive devices, and many other expenses. The pension helps them cover a bit of these extra essential expenses. Rs. 1000 pension, although modest, can make a significant difference in the lives of these individuals. It helps them meet their immediate needs and provides a sense of security. However, the delay in disbursing the pension has left these vulnerable individuals in a state of distress and uncertainty.
Addressing issues such as ghost beneficiaries, duplication, and ensuring transparency in social welfare schemes are indeed significant concerns that Governments often face. By implementing online registration and linking it to Aadhaar, the Government aims to enhance efficiency, accountability, and targeted delivery of benefits. While these measures can help address certain challenges, it is crucial to acknowledge that they may also inadvertently impact genuine beneficiaries, causing them to suffer due to difficulties in the registration process or delays in receiving their pensions. It is a complex balance between preventing misuse and ensuring that deserving individuals receive the support they need.
The beneficiaries of these pensions are individuals who are already in distress and typically do not possess the necessary resources to fulfil the prerequisites. These vulnerable individuals often face significant financial hardships and lack the means to easily comply with the requirements set by the Government. The eligibility criteria, such as providing documentation or completing the online registration process, can pose challenges for these individuals, who may not have the financial means, access to technology, or digital literacy skills. Their disadvantaged position makes it even more difficult for them to navigate the system and fulfil the requirements to receive the pensions they desperately rely on. Despite all odds, a considerable number of beneficiaries have already registered themselves on the SUGAM portal, but even they have not received pensions for months, reasons better known to authorities.
The beneficiaries have already faced significant hardship and have been waiting patiently for their pensions for an extended period. It is high time for some higher authorities to intervene to prioritise the well-being of the beneficiaries and ensure that they receive the financial assistance they are entitled to without any further delay. The authorities should work diligently to address any administrative or technical hurdles that have caused the delay and expedite the disbursement process. This will not only alleviate the immediate financial strain faced by these individuals but also demonstrate a commitment to their welfare and well-being. The administration needs to strike a balance between preventing frauds and ensuring that genuine beneficiaries receive the intended support without unnecessary delays or hardships.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
