| Staff Reporter |
Itanagar, Mar 3: The All Arunachal Pradesh Divyangjan Welfare Association (AAPDWA) has demanded immediate release of eight months’ pending old age pension, alleging serious irregularities in the disbursement of pension honorarium by the Department of Social Justice, Empowerment & Tribal Affairs (SJETA), Govt of Arunachal Pradesh.
Addressing a press conference at the Arunachal Press Club here on Tuesday, AAPDWA president Chungma Sanbia claimed that beneficiaries have not received pensions for the financial years 2022-23 and 2024-25.
“The old age pensioners (60–79 years and 80–100 years), widows and persons with disabilities are yet to receive their two months’ pension each for the financial year 2022-23 and 2024-25,” he alleged.
Sanbia said Divyangjan beneficiaries are facing immense hardship due to non-release of pending liabilities by the Department of Social Justice, Empowerment & Tribal Affairs. He urged the state government to intervene and ensure regular disbursement of pensions.
Alleging misappropriation of the central share of funds meant for disability, old age and widow pensions, the association further claimed that three per cent was allegedly deducted illegally from pension amounts in the name of paperwork.
The AAPDWA also raised concerns over alleged misuse of central and state funds under the Barrier-Free Environment Project (2022–25). Citing documents obtained through RTI, the association stated that the Govt of India had sanctioned Rs 100,50,13,909 for the maintenance and development of facilities for Divyangjan across Arunachal Pradesh. It further alleged that several buildings and structures meant for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) were either not constructed or left incomplete despite withdrawal of funds.
The Association informed that a complaint has been lodged with the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), seeking a thorough investigation into the alleged malpractices, and appealed to the State Government and the ACB to take strict action against officers allegedly involved.