Dr Jitendra calls for time bound redressal of Pension related grievances

NEW DELHI: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology; Earth Sciences and Minister of State for PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh on Wednesday called for a time bound redressal mechanism of Pension related grievances, aligning it with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s broader governance model that places the citizen at the Centre.

Speaking at the 13th All India “Pension Adalat” held in New Delhi, Dr. Jitendra Singh underscored the need for administrative sensitivity and efficiency in ensuring the dignity of India’s pensioners.

At the day-long event that brought together pensioners, government officials, and department heads from across the country, the Minister said that the Pension Adalat model is one of the most citizen-friendly reforms undertaken in recent years. “A pensioner, who has dedicated a lifetime of service to the nation, should not have to run from pillar to post for what is rightfully theirs,” he said, urging departments to adopt a “whole-of-government” approach in resolving such matters. He emphasized that redressal should not merely be reactive, but also anticipatory, supported by technology and driven by compassion.

Since their inception in September 2017, 12 Pension Adalats have been held across the country, taking up a total of 25,416 cases-of which 18,157 have been successfully resolved. That translates to a resolution rate of over 71 percent, a number Dr. Jitendra Singh cited as proof of the initiative’s effectiveness.

The Minister shared several success stories from previous Adalats, including the case of Jasoda Devi, who received her rightful dues after 36 years, and Anita Kanik Rani, who was granted family pension arrears of Rs. 20 lakh on the very day her case was heard. Many of these stories, he noted, are now documented in fliers released by the Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare (DoPPW).

At the 13th All India Pension Adalat, Dr. Jitendra Singh also released a compilation of success stories from the 12th Pension Adalat, titled “Brave Soldiers and Veer Naariyan”. The booklet highlights inspiring accounts of long-pending pension grievances that were resolved through the Adalat mechanism, with a special focus on defence pensioners and families of armed forces personnel. These real-life stories stand as a testament to the government’s commitment to honouring the service and sacrifice of its retirees, particularly women and veer naaris, by ensuring timely justice and dignity in their post-retirement life.

This year’s Adalat focused on family pension issues, many raised by women either as claimants or recipients. Dr. Jitendra Singh congratulated the DoPPW for choosing a theme that acknowledges the pressing concerns of a large and often vulnerable segment of pensioners.

The further encouraged the use of digital means to reach pensioners who may not be able to attend in person. “These Adalats represent not just a platform for grievance redressal, but a promise from the government that no voice will go unheard,” he said. The Minister also reiterated that digital initiatives like CPENGRAMS (Centralised Pension Grievance Redress and Monitoring System) must be leveraged for real-time tracking and resolution.

Dr. Jitendra Singh urged departments and officials to treat pensioners not just as beneficiaries but as “respected members of the administrative family.” Noting that most grievances stem from avoidable delays or procedural issues, he called for greater inter-departmental coordination and accountability. The Minister said that the Adalat is not just a redressal forum, but also a barometer of administrative performance. “When citizens feel heard and respected, it builds trust in governance,” he remarked.

Pension Adalats, now a regular calendar event, have emerged as a vital interface between the government and retired personnel, including central government employees, defence personnel, and family pensioners. The Minister also appreciated the role of the Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare in institutionalising reforms such as simplified PPOs, integrated portals, and grievance dashboards.

Dr. Jitendra Singh concluded by calling for more citizen-centric and compassionate innovations in pension administration, asserting that the government’s duty toward its senior citizens must be fulfilled with both urgency and empathy. “The Prime Minister’s governance vision will be incomplete unless the country’s senior citizens and retirees are made to feel secure and valued,” he said.