: With hardly a month left for the term of the present Corporation council to expire, the pendency of welfare pensions disbursals has run up into crores putting the marginalised sections to hardship.
Raising the issue at the last statutory council meeting of the Corporation, opposition councillor M. Anilkumar said that welfare pensions to the tune of Rs. 11.91 are outstanding as on this August resulting in a loss of face for councillors from treasury and opposition benches alike.
Old age pension meant for 10,702 beneficiaries has run up the biggest outstanding amount of Rs. 5.77 crore whereas widow pension to the tune of Rs. 4.99 crore for 12,481 beneficiaries remain pending. Pensions for the differently-abled, unwed women and agriculture labour are also pending by Rs. 71.68 lakh, 40.71 lakh and 2.37 lakh respectively.
Mayor Tony Chammany attributed the delay to absence of fund allocation by the State government owing to financial constraints.
Though he had doubts about the utility of moving a resolution asking the State government to clear the dues, Mr. Chammany, however, conceded to Mr. Anilkumar’s request for such a resolution benefitting at least those who had not received any payment by way of pension.
Pensions are pending for a duration ranging between four to nine months. Corporation has 26,229 beneficiaries.
Old age pension meant for 10,702 beneficiaries has Rs.5.77-crore dues.
