The Assam government has taken a decisive step to address the long-standing issue of delayed pension disbursal by introducing a monetary penalty provision. According to a notification issued by the Administrative Reforms, Training, Pension and Public Grievance Department, officials found responsible for delays in pension processing will face a financial penalty of Rs 250 per day.
Details of the Penalty Provision
The penalty is applicable to heads of offices (HOO) and other officials at each stage of pension processing who fail to adhere to the notified timeline. The notification states that financial recovery shall be made at the rate of Rs 250 per day, with a maximum cap of Rs 5,000. This recovery will be effected through the FinAssam portal from the salary bill of the responsible official and reflected as a deduction in the following month.
Streamlining the Pension Disbursal Process
The government emphasized that this measure is aimed at ensuring strict adherence to timelines and streamlining the pension disbursal process for retired employees. Delayed pension cases will now be identified every month through the Kritagyata portal. Subsequently, lists of pending cases will be circulated among concerned departments, deputy commissioners, and senior departmental secretaries for review and action.
Drawing and disbursing officers (DDOs) have been directed to ensure that recoveries are carried out as per the new provisions and that records of such deductions are submitted to the concerned department. This move is expected to bring accountability and efficiency to the pension system.
Chief Minister's Statement
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma wrote, “Our retired employees have contributed richly to Assam’s progress. It is their right to receive timely pensions. To achieve this, we’re enforcing an accountability framework, which also imposes a penalty on those responsible for delays. Our pensioners deserve respect and dignity.”
The initiative reflects the government's commitment to ensuring that retired employees receive their pensions without unnecessary delays, thereby upholding their dignity and respect.
