Several freedom fighters in the State are in severe financial crisis as they are reportedly not getting the State and Central government pensions for the past four months.
Their woes began after the authorities concerned issued an order in September last to transfer the pension payment, hitherto disbursed by the State treasury, to Scheduled banks of their choice. However, despite completing the requisite formalities, freedom fighters are yet to be paid their pension, K.N. Thampan Nambiar, a family member of centenarian freedom fighter K. Madhavan, living at Kanhangad here, told The Hindu .
When asked about the issue, E. Chandrasekharan, MLA, quoting District Collector P.S. Muhammed Sagir, said the matter was being examined by the office of the Central Accounts General in New Delhi.
“It is high time the MPs and MLAs took up the issues to the authorities concerned to address the grievances of hundreds of freedom fighters, many of who do not have alternative means for a dignified living,” Mr. Nambiar said. The family of Mr. Madhavan was getting queries from other freedom fighters about the status of pension payment, he said, expressing hope that the authorities would take swift steps to end the crisis.
