The Pensioner Doctors' Association, Punjab, has taken legal action against senior state government functionaries, including the Finance Secretary, over the alleged delay in releasing arrears under the Sixth Punjab Pay Commission and the arbitrary suspension of pensions. In a joint statement, association president DC Sharma, senior vice-president DS Bhullar, and finance secretary SB Pandhi accused the government of withholding pensions on flimsy grounds, particularly due to the non-submission of digital life certificates.
Legal Notice Served to Finance Secretary
DS Bhullar has served a legal notice to the Finance Secretary and health authorities, arguing that the demand for a mid-term digital life certificate has caused unnecessary hardships to elderly pensioners. The association noted that many pensioners had submitted the required certificates more than once, yet their pensions remained withheld.
Objection to Mid-Term Digital Certificate Requirement
The association strongly objected to the government's requirement for a mid-term digital life certificate. They emphasized that pensioners already submit life certificates annually during October and November, making the additional demand redundant and burdensome.
Delayed Arrears Under Sixth Pay Commission
Referring to a liquidation plan submitted by the Punjab Government before the Punjab and Haryana High Court in a contempt case, the association stated that retirees after 2016 were entitled to arrears from January 1, 2016, to June 30, 2021, payable in 32 monthly instalments starting April 2026. However, hardly any retired doctor received the first instalment due in April, and subsequent instalments for May and June also remain pending.
- Pensioners have faced undue delays despite submitting digital life certificates multiple times.
- The government's mid-term certificate demand is seen as an unnecessary obstacle.
- Arrears under the Sixth Punjab Pay Commission have not been paid as per the court-approved plan.
The association has called for immediate resolution of these issues to ensure timely payment of pensions and arrears.
