Bhubaneswar, June 19: BJD president and Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Odisha Assembly Naveen Patnaik on Friday wrote to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressing deep anguish and concern over the nonpayment of pensions for the last three months to nearly 18 lakh beneficiaries across Odisha.
Patnaik contended that the stoppage of pensions for three months is not merely a procedural lapse and it represents a "serious failure of governance."
“I write with a sense of deep concern and anguish over the nonpayment of pensions for the last three months to nearly 18 lakh beneficiaries across Odisha. These pensioners comprise the most vulnerable sections of our society-elderly citizens, widows, and persons with disabilities-most of whom depend entirely on this pension for their daily survival,” wrote Patnaik.
Patnaik wrote, “The denial of this vital support for three consecutive months has exposed our most vulnerable citizens to severe distress, deprivation, and even the risk of starvation.”
The former Chief Minister also highlighted the death of one Sabitri Dora of Beguniapada in Ganjam district after being deprived of her pension benefits.
“Such a situation is unacceptable in a state committed to protecting its weakest citizens. What is even more shocking is that this prolonged delay has reportedly occurred due to a software-related issue. This reflects grave negligence and an abdication of the Government's basic responsibility,” said Patnaik.
Maintaining that pensions were distributed regularly on the 15th of every month during his Government, Patnaik said, “Peoples' rights cannot be left at the mercy of technological failures. It is important to recall that for the past 24 years, my government ensured that pensions were distributed regularly on the 15th of every month, observed as "Jan Seva Diwas." Beneficiaries received their pensions at the Gram Panchayat level in a transparent and humane manner. In cases where pensioners were unable to attend, officials ensured that the pension amount was delivered directly to their homes.”
“This citizen-centric model earned widespread appreciation and was even commended by the Supreme Court. We consistently resisted pressure to shift entirely to the bank-based pension disbursement system because our model ensured timely delivery, personal accountability, and dignity for beneficiaries. The current crisis demonstrates the wisdom of that approach,” said Patnaik.
He also demanded that accountability be fixed for this lapse.
“I therefore urge you to immediately release all pending pension payments through manual disbursement and ensure that such a situation never recurs. The Government must also fix accountability for this lapse and reassure pensioners that their rights will not be compromised in the future, urged the former CM,” urged Patnaik.
