The EDMC (East Delhi Municipal Corporation), which comprises of 64 wards, has around 700 old-age pensioners in each ward. As per the norms laid by the Centre, the elders who fall in the category of EWS, are entitled for a pension of Rs 1,000. The concerned authority has been directed to ensure timely payment to the beneficiaries. But the EDMC has not released even a rupee for old-age pension after April 2013.
The officials of EDMC said that the civic body is going through a huge financial crisis and they have demanded a bailout package from Delhi government.
Meenakshi, mayor of EDMC said, ‘We are helpless. We have demanded a bailout package of Rs 900
crore from the state government to pay the pension money and for other development projects as well. We have met several union ministers and officials of the Delhi government for early release of funds.’
Varyam Kaur, leader of opposition in EDMC, slammed the ruling party for ignoring the plight of thousands of elders for 18 months. She also alleged that the pension fund is being diverted for other purposes. ‘The ruling party is not taking the matter seriously despite repeated reminders. We have protested against it many times. If it fails to resolve the issue soon, we will intensify our agitation,’ said Kaur.
Meanwhile, the beneficiaries of the scheme are hoping that funds would arrive before Diwali. ‘We are totally dependent on pension. The EDMC must release the money before Diwali so that we can celebrate it with some joy’ said Mahender Sharma, a pensioner from Maujpur area.
The officials of EDMC said that the civic body is going through a huge financial crisis and they have demanded a bailout package from Delhi government.
Meenakshi, mayor of EDMC said, ‘We are helpless. We have demanded a bailout package of Rs 900
crore from the state government to pay the pension money and for other development projects as well. We have met several union ministers and officials of the Delhi government for early release of funds.’
Varyam Kaur, leader of opposition in EDMC, slammed the ruling party for ignoring the plight of thousands of elders for 18 months. She also alleged that the pension fund is being diverted for other purposes. ‘The ruling party is not taking the matter seriously despite repeated reminders. We have protested against it many times. If it fails to resolve the issue soon, we will intensify our agitation,’ said Kaur.
Meanwhile, the beneficiaries of the scheme are hoping that funds would arrive before Diwali. ‘We are totally dependent on pension. The EDMC must release the money before Diwali so that we can celebrate it with some joy’ said Mahender Sharma, a pensioner from Maujpur area.