State Apathy Pushes Pensioners Into Distress, Says PDP Leader Rafique Rather – Alfaaz – The Words

Srinagar: Peoples Democratic Party leader Mohd Rafique Rather has voiced serious concern over the stoppage of December pensions and family pensions of retired employees in Jammu and Kashmir, calling it a cruel and unjust action that has pushed thousands of elderly and ailing pensioners into distress during peak winter.

Rather said pension remains the sole source of income for most senior citizens. Its stoppage during sub zero temperatures has left many families struggling to meet basic needs. He said the move violates clear directions of the Supreme Court, which has held that pension is a right earned through service and cannot be stopped arbitrarily.

He said pensioners have devoted decades to public service and now face humiliation, uncertainty, and hardship. Reports of elderly pensioners being left without income and forced to travel long distances, stand in queues, and make repeated visits to banks reflect serious administrative insensitivity.

Rather said the administration has now compelled pensioners to physically visit J and K Bank branches despite Government of India provisions allowing submission of Life Certificates through digital and online modes. He said this exposes a sharp gap between claims of digital governance and ground reality.

He said many pensioners and family pensioners submitted their Life Certificates online well within the stipulated time, yet their pensions remain withheld. He said this defeats the purpose of digital systems and subjects frail and sick citizens to avoidable hardship and financial stress.

Rather said it is disturbing that those in authority continue to draw high salaries and enjoy official privileges, while senior citizens who helped build institutions are made to struggle for their lawful dues. He said this reflects a deep moral failure and disregard for the elderly.

He termed the issue a humanitarian concern rather than a routine administrative lapse. He said continued insistence on physical verification despite online compliance amounts to harassment of senior citizens.

Rather urged Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to personally intervene, ensure immediate release of December pensions along with all pending dues, and direct banks and departments to honour online Life Certificates without forcing pensioners to visit branches. He warned that further delay would deepen public resentment and erode trust in governance.