Government to hold camps for social security pensions

PATNA: Bihar government will hold special camps at panchayat level between August 1 and 15 to disburse the social security pensions to the beneficiaries under six categories. Social welfare minister Leshi Singh informed the assembly that circulars were sent to the district magistrates on July 15 for organizing special camps to release the pending pension.
Replying to a call attention notice of Janak Singh and Achyutananad of BJP, she said the Indira Gandhi national old age pension, Indira Gandhi national widow pension and Indira Gandhi physically handicapped pension scheme and state government's chief minister social security pensions (Lakshmibai social security pension, Bihar physically handicapped pension and social security pension, would be paid to all the identified beneficiaries by August 15.
She said the government has decided to pay the pensions directly to the beneficiaries at panchayat level. Till 2012-13, pension was paid through post offices, but some problems were noticed. Due to the enforcement of model code of conduct during the Lok Sabha elections from March 5, pension for 2013-14 could not be distributed. Hence, special camps are being organized. Bihar government pays Rs 200 per month to the people above 60 years in urban and rural areas, Rs 300 per month to the physically handicapped and Lakshmibai social security pension of Rs 300 per month to the poor in 18-60 age group.
Renu Kumari of JD (U), through a call attention notice, alleged the Bihar Niwas and Bihar Bhawan in New Delhi were badly managed. The guests were accommodated in the rooms which are without water and airconditioners and TVs also do not function. The beds are dirty, she alleged. The breakfast and food items are rotten. Canteen is unhygienic and even utensils are not cleaned. She regretted the resident commissioner was not taking interest in the maintenance of the two guesthouses of Bihar government. She demanded an inquiry into the irregularities in the two guesthouses. Labour minister Dulalchand Goswami sought time from the Speaker to reply to the notice.