Guwahati, May 20: The Assam government has introduced a strict accountability mechanism to ensure timely settlement of pension cases, announcing financial penalties against officials responsible for delays in pension processing.
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| Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. (File Photo) |
According to an official notification issued by the Administrative Reforms, Training, Pension and Public Grievances Department, officials found responsible for undue delays in processing pension cases will face financial recovery at the rate of Rs 250 per day, subject to a maximum penalty of Rs 5,000.
The notification stated that the penalty would apply to Heads of Offices (HOOs) and other officials involved at different stages of pension processing if cases are delayed beyond the timelines prescribed under existing government rules and standard operating procedures.
The amount will be deducted directly from the salaries of the responsible officials through the FinAssam portal and reflected in the following month’s salary statement.
To monitor compliance, the government said a monthly list of delayed pension cases would be generated through the Kritagyata portal and circulated to concerned departments, district commissioners and senior-most secretaries for necessary action.
The order has come into force with immediate effect.
Reacting to the move, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said retired government employees deserve dignity and respect after dedicating years of service to the state and society.
He stated that many pensioners continue to face financial difficulties and mental stress due to unnecessary delays in receiving pension benefits, adding that such situations were unacceptable.
“Our retired employees have contributed richly to Assam’s progress. It is their right to receive timely pension,” the Chief Minister said.
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Sarma further stated that the government has also initiated simplified procedures along with the new accountability framework to ensure pension cases are processed within the stipulated deadlines.
The Chief Minister emphasised that officials responsible for delays would now be held accountable under the new system, reiterating the government’s commitment to safeguarding the welfare, dignity and financial security of pensioners across the state.
