 Early Times Report
Jammu, Oct 26: The residents of Bahu Fort in Jammu, along with Sham Lal Basson, the corporator of Ward No. 48, and various organizations, came together for a protest and press conference. The gathering was aimed at raising their concerns regarding the release of pensions for widows, disabled individuals, and the elderly.
Several activities were organized during the event to facilitate the completion of necessary formalities for pension disbursement. These activities included the preparation of income certificates, age certificates, widow non-remarriage certificates, and the issuance of Public Health and Hygiene (PHH) ration cards.
It’s noteworthy that while many people successfully completed the formalities for PHH ration cards, a substantial 95% of the submitted forms were rejected by the Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution (CAPD) department.
In light of these developments, the attendees also participated in camps organized at the Deputy Commissioner’s office complex in response to the directives of the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor.
During the press conference, several prominent figures addressed the gathering, including:
Sham Lal Basson, Corporator of Ward No. 48, Bahu Fort.
Roshan Bhan, Chief Organizer of the Confederation of Physically Challenged Organizations (COPCO).
Sushil Sharma, Chairman of the All J&K Disable Welfare Trust.
Rajeev Raina, representing the Disabled Care Foundation.
These speakers voiced their support for widows, disabled individuals, and the elderly, while also expressing their concerns about the contrast between the Lt. Governor’s statements and actions.
The Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor had recently addressed a ‘Pensioners Sammelan’ in Srinagar, emphasizing the administration’s top priority to provide universal pension coverage and treat beneficiaries with respect. He highlighted the cultural and civilizational duty to care for the elderly, provide social security, and support vulnerable sections.
Sham Lal Basson stressed the need for the modification of Order No. 156 Of 2022, issued by the Social Welfare Department on September 8, 2022. The modification should exclude the condition of having PHH/AAY ration cards, which is currently mandatory for existing pension beneficiaries to avail financial assistance. He also requested transparency regarding the number of elderly, widows, and divorcees covered in Srinagar, as well as their counterparts in Jammu city.
The primary demand made by the protesters is the amendment of Order No. 156 JK (SWD) Of 2022, to eliminate the requirement of possessing PHH/AAY ration cards for existing pension recipients to receive their benefits.
The attendees, including around 175 widows, disabled individuals, and senior citizens, expressed their hope that the Hon’ble LG of Jammu and Kashmir would consider their plea and modify the condition related to PHH/AAY ration cards to facilitate pension distribution. Prof. C. L. Shivgotra also contributed valuable suggestions during the press conference. |
