The Hindu : Front Page : Probe ordered into pension mystery

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Thursday, Mar 11, 2010
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Probe ordered into pension mystery

Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI: An internal investigation carried out by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi has revealed that among senior citizens, physically handicapped persons and widows entitled to receive pension from the civic body, nearly 3,300 have been collecting pension from both the Delhi Government and the Corporation.

According to MCD Standing Committee chairman Ram Kishan Singhal, a person is only entitled to availing of such benefits either from the Delhi Government or the civic agency.The civic body has now decided to conduct a detailed inquiry to identify these 3,300 people.

“Initial investigations have revealed that there are more than 3,300 people collecting pension from both the State Government and the MCD. A through investigation is being carried out and those found guilty will be punished,” said MCD Commissioner K. S. Mehra on Wednesday.

As per the civic body's records, there are a total of 1.90 lakh senior citizens, physically handicapped persons and widows who are currently eligible to receive pension from the MCD. This past year the civic body had received intimation about confusion in payment of the pension amount to eligible candidates, following which an inquiry was initiated.

The MCD had to stop payment of the pension amount for the past six months to all the 1.90 lakh registered pensioners to confirm the discrepancy.

“Once the investigation is over we will start releasing the money,” said a senior MCD official.

The MCD budget provisions for 2010-11 had also enhanced the pension amount for senior citizens, physically handicapped persons and widows from Rs.500 to Rs.1,000 per month.

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