Pensioners’ Day celebrated

Yamunanagar, December 18

Pensioners’ and Senior Citizens’ Welfare Association, Jagadhri, celebrated Pensioners’ Day in Jagadhri, yesterday. C Kathpalia, chief legal advisor of the association, explained the importance of Pensioners’ Day.

He said as per the judgment of the Supreme Court, the pensioners couldn’t be classified differently on the basis of date of retirement.

He said the pension was not a bounty to be disbursed by the government, but a reward for the valuable services by the pensioners in their youth.

He said any inordinate delay in the payment of pension was liable to be visited by the penalty of interest at the rate of current market rate.

“As per the said judgement, pension is a constitutional right like the right to life and property,” said Kathpalia.

He also elaborated on the problems of the pensioners and their long outstanding demands regarding grant of additional pension at the rate of 5 per cent, 10 per cent and 15 per cent on attaining the age of 65 years, 70 years and 75 years, respectively.

Besides, he demanded an increase in fixed medical allowance from Rs 500 to Rs 1,000, grant of cashless treatment to the pensioners, LTC to family members, full pension after completion of 20 years of service and one rank one pension. — TNS