58,275 veterans to get pension as govt steps in
NEW DELHI: Over 58,000 former servicemen who did not receive their pension for April were set to have the retirement benefit credited into their bank accounts by Wednesday night, after the defence ministry swiftly intervened in the matter and granted them a “one-time special waiver” to complete their documentation to draw pension, a key requirement that many of the veterans were in the dark about. Defence ministry announced its decision hours after HT reported that veterans, including several three-star officers, had not received their April pensions yet, and the government’s pension disbursing authority had not informed them about the reason for the delay.
“In order to avoid hardship to such pensioners, a one-time special waiver has been accorded to these 58,275 pensioners to get their identification done by May 25. The pension for April has now been processed and it is due to be credited by end of day on May 04,” the defence ministry said in a statement. The pensioners are now being informed about the pending annual identification (submission of life certificate) through SMS and email.
Former Northern Army commander Lieutenant General DS Hooda (retd) said, “We are grateful to the defence minister for the speedy action that will provide relief to over 58,000 defence pensioners. We hope the pension disbursing authority will also look at all outstanding issues so that the procedure is streamlined.”