Jammu, June 20: Apni Party leaders and workers on Tuesday staged a protest demonstration against the “harassment” of the old age pensioners because of re-verification formalities. They also demanded enhancement of the old age pension from Rs 1,000 up to Rs 5,000 keeping in view the price of the essential commodities and medicines.
“To highlight the issues faced by the old age pensioner, a peaceful protest demonstration was organized outside the Director Social Welfare, Jammu by the Apni Party. The protesters were led by Apni Party Women Wing, Provincial President, Jammu, Pavneet Kour,” a party statement issued here said.
As soon as the protesters gathered outside the Director Social Welfare, Jammu, the police contingent stopped the protesters from proceeding inside the office complex and for over an hour, the protesters and police were face to face during the peaceful protest demonstration, it added.
“Succumbing to the pressure of continuous protest by the Apni Party leaders, the protesters led by Pavneet Kour and other leaders were allowed to meet the Director Social Welfare at her office,” the party said, adding, “During their interaction with the Director Social Welfare, Jammu; the Apni Party leaders submitted a memorandum of demands.”
Pavneet Kour said the Director was informed about the difficulties being faced by old age pensioners because of the touch verification process and documents being demanded from them. “These formalities should be simplified and special camps should be organized for the old age pensioners at their respective villages, and blocks to ensure that they may not face harassment. At this age, many of such pensioners are not in good health, and they cannot move from one place to another without the help of others. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the authorities to provide them with all possible help at the doorstep,” she said while interacting with the director.
She further said the health camps should also be organized by the Social Welfare Department at the village and block level, and demanded proper verification in the distribution of scooty and wheelchairs for the disabled people in J&K.
“The Director Social Welfare Jammu assured that she will look into their demands and appropriate action will be taken,” the Apni Party said.
