Srinagar, July 10: Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Front (PDF) and former minister, Hakeem Muhammad Yaseen has strongly criticised a recent directive from the Finance Department, terming it as draconian and harsh. The order mandates every retired senior citizen, regardless of age or health conditions, to appear in person before Treasury Officers for life verification to continue receiving pension benefits.
In a statement issued here, Hakeem voiced deep concern over the mental distress caused to retired senior citizens by this directive. He said that in the digital age, where modern technology and digital devices are readily available, such stringent measures are unnecessary and reflect poorly on the efficiency of the Finance Department.
“The order is not only draconian but also highlights the department’s failure to utilise modern technological tools effectively for public welfare,” he said.
He urged Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Secretary Attal Duloo to intervene immediately and withdraw the controversial order. “There is a need to address the growing unrest among retired citizens and ensure their dignity and convenience in accessing pension benefits without undue hardship,” he said.
The PDF Chairman said that modern technology can provide foolproof methods to verify the existence and eligibility of all citizens, including retired senior citizens, without subjecting them to unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles.
