STATE TIMES NEWS
NEW DELHI: Updating the Lok Sabha about the ‘Pension Adalat’ concept introduced by the Modi Government which has helped resolve cases, particularly family pension cases pertaining to widows or survivors, that had remained unresolved for decades together under the successive governments in the past, Union Minister for Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh said that in last less than five years, 4,944 long pending cases have been resolved through these Pension Adalats.
In reply to a question, the Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensure justice for pensioners through the Pension Adalat initiative, a pioneering concept introduced under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Union Minister emphasized that this mechanism, launched in 2017, has successfully resolved 4,944 cases in the last five years, bringing long-overdue relief to thousands of pensioners, particularly destitute widows and elderly citizens who had been waiting for justice for decades.
Dr. Jitendra highlighted that before 2017, there was no structured platform for pension grievance redressal in India. Many cases had been pending for as long as 25-30 years, with successive governments failing to act on repeated representations and complaints from pensioners. “Through Pension Adalats, we have been able to deliver on-the-spot resolutions, cutting through bureaucratic delays and ensuring that pensioners receive what is rightfully theirs without unnecessary hurdles,” he said.
The Minister further emphasized that these Adalats, conducted in the presence of the Minister and Secretary in charge of pensions, bring together all stakeholders-including the Head of Office (HOO), Pay and Account Office (PAO), Central Pension Accounting Office (CPAO), Pension Disbursing Banks, and the pensioners themselves-to facilitate swift settlements.
Dr. Jitendra cited several cases where pensioners had suffered due to prolonged administrative delays but found immediate relief through the Pension Adalat. He mentioned the case of Ms. Anita Kanik Rani, a widow who had been denied her family pension for 20 years due to complications surrounding a succession certificate. The Pension Adalat expedited her case, ensuring the sanction of ?22 lakh in arrears, bringing her long-overdue financial security.
Similarly, Dr. Arvind Kumar, a retired Associate Professor from the Indian Military Academy, had struggled for leave encashment due to pending administrative issues. Diagnosed with prostate cancer and in urgent need of funds, he approached the Pension Adalat, which swiftly facilitated the release of ?26.75 lakh, enabling his timely medical treatment. Another case was that of Ms. Geeta Devi, the mother of a BSF martyr, who had been receiving only a normal family pension instead of the Extraordinary Family Pension she was entitled to. The Pension Adalat corrected this long-standing injustice, ensuring she finally received the rightful benefits.
Dr. Jitendra Singh underscored that the Pension Adalat initiative is a testament to the government’s commitment to citizen-centric governance. He reiterated that pension reforms under the Modi government go beyond financial settlements; they aim to uphold the dignity and well-being of retired employees. He also highlighted the government’s push for digital interventions, including face authentication for digital life certificates, reducing pensioners’ dependency on physical visits to offices.
“With rising life expectancy, pensioners are an asset to the nation, not dependents. It is our responsibility to ensure their financial security and recognize their contributions to society,” Dr. Jitendra Singh remarked.
The Minister concluded by reaffirming the government’s unwavering commitment to transparency, efficiency, and citizen welfare. Under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, the Pension Adalat will continue to evolve and expand, ensuring that no pensioner is left unheard and every grievance is addressed with the urgency it deserves.
In reply to the another question, Dr Jitendra Singh informed the House that “Bharat Atta” was launched on 6.11.2023 with a view to provide atta (wheat flour) to general consumers at subsidized rates under Open Market Sale Scheme (Domestic) policy through Semi-Government and Cooperative Organizations like Kendriya Bhandar/NAFED/NCCF and tie-ups of these Organizations with other retail outlets (like SAFAL in Delhi, other retail chains/cooperatives in other States) to make Bharat Atta available at large number of outlets throughout the country. A quantity of 5,09,000 MT of wheat was allocated to Kendriya Bhandar For sale as Bharat Atta during Phase-I. A total of 5,07,399 MT of wheat was lifted for Bharat Atta by Kendriya Bhandar from FCI during Phase-1 and the entire quantity of lifted wheat was sold as Bharat Atta.
