Financial Problem caused to Ex-servicemen in Sikkim & Widows:Army Pension suspended since March?
Gangtok,12th June :Ex- servicemen in Sikkim, have been waiting for their Army Pension for 4-6 months now.This includes Family Pensioners i.e.the Widows of Soldiers also.While the high ranking officers are reportedly being paid.
”Even after Six months we have not received.any money.Earlier,pension was paid monthly.We don’t know why they have stopped. Waiting for so long we are compelled to disclose the problem ,’ said one of them,she is a widow of a soldier.The affected say if they could approach the Chairman RSB,PS Tamang Chief Minister,to arrange for timely payment as was done earlier.
On investigating the issue this Reporter came to know that the Pension Authorities have been changed.Disbursing responsibility has been assigned to other Sikkim Govt Deptt.
When contacted ,’ Secretary Rajya Sanik Board,Lieutenant Colonel ( rtd) Vijay Basnett,said, ‘All the information / file etc asked for has been forwarded to the Social Welfare Department.They are now the disbursing authority.’
In the meantime,the veterans, widows and families are undergoing financial stress.As it is unprecedented and unexpected delay in getting their dues,Veterans hope for payment soon.
Observers feel that authorities should look into administrative reasons for causing unnecessary financial trouble to brave defenders of country.
Reserve Bank of India has mandatory rule to pay@ 8%annually in case of delay ,but simple public asks for ‘ dues’ on time.
