Mir Aatif
Srinagar, Sep 08 (KINS): Beneficiaries of social security schemes, including old-age and widow pensions, have urged the government to review the documentation and verification requirements, saying the existing process creates difficulties for elderly and vulnerable people who depend on these payments for their daily needs.
They questioned the need for affidavits, domicile certificates and digital life certificates in cases where their eligibility and other details have already been verified and are available in official records.
The beneficiaries suggested introducing a simpler life-verification mechanism, including a prescribed form certified by the local lambardar or chowkidar, wherever appropriate, to reduce repeated visits to government offices.
They also raised concerns over delays in pension disbursement, claiming that payments are sometimes delayed by two to three months and, in some cases, up to four months. They said such delays force beneficiaries to visit Tehsil Social Welfare Offices repeatedly, resulting in additional travel expenses and inconvenience.
The beneficiaries further sought clarity on the pension amount, referring to the National Conference manifesto and its reported promise of increasing old-age pensions to 3,000 per month. They said an increase of 250 has been implemented so far and sought clarification regarding the remaining proposed increase.
They urged the Social Welfare Department to simplify documentation, introduce an accessible life-verification system, ensure timely monthly payments and provide beneficiaries with an easy mechanism to track the status of their pensions.
The beneficiaries said social security assistance is meant to support vulnerable sections of society and the process of accessing such assistance should be simple, transparent and considerate of their financial and physical difficulties.(KINS)
