More than 300 pension beneficiaries, including elderly, widows and disabled took part in a rally to protest delay in payment of pension at the Manika block of Latehar district in Jharkhand.

Belgian born economist Jean Dreze participated in the rally which was organised under the aegis of Gram Swaraj Majdoor Sangh, Manika.

“Non-payment of pension on time is very unfortunate. This is in violation of the Supreme Court, which stipulates that pension should be paid by seventh of every month. Action should be taken against those persons responsible for violation of this rules,” said Dreze.

The members also expressed anxiety over poor pension.

“The old, disabled and widowed women are worried about the poor amount of pension (Rs 1000) has not gone to their account since the last five months.

“It is time that the Hemant Soren government which had made a promise in its manifesto to increase the pension amount to Rs 2500 fulfil it for the elderly, widowed, disabled and primitive tribal groups,” said Pachhati Singh of Gram Swaraj Majdoor Sangh.

The members submitted a memorandum to the chief minister through the block development officer of Manika reminding to fulfil the promise of increasing pension.

The memorandum also demanded that all pending application for pension should be approved, concerned

BDO should be fined for non-payment of pension within 15 days and for non-receipt of pension application, execution of old and disabled pensions at the block level as it is difficult for them to visit the district headquarters and issue of helpline number for pension related grievances and fixing the annual income criteria for pension in line with the growing inflation.