PANAJI
The Goa Human Rights Commission (GHRC) has held that repeated delays in pension payments by the Pernem Municipal Council have violated the human rights of retired employees. It has recommended that the council and the Directorate of Municipal Administration clear seven months of pension arrears within 30 days, along with 8 per cent annual interest.
In its inquiry report dated October 12, the Commission, comprising members Desmond D’Costa and Pramod Kamat, recommended payment of outstanding pensions for February to September 2026, with interest calculated from the respective due dates until payment. It also directed the authorities to establish a permanent mechanism to ensure pensions are disbursed during the last four working days of every month.
The council attributed the delay to its strained financial position, admitting it could not immediately clear the entire outstanding amount from available resources. It sought three months to settle the dues and requested Rs 13.83 lakh in financial assistance from Directorate of Municipal Administration.
Three former employees — Madan Desai, Shakuntala Parab and the widow of lower division clerk Sangeet Patekar — filed the latest complaint over non-payment of pensions.
The Commission noted that it had earlier taken suo motu cognisance of a similar issue following a newspaper report highlighting retirees and a widow who had been awaiting pensions for 22 months.
In its April 17 report, the Commission had recommended clearing 21 months of arrears within 60 days, along with 8 per cent interest. However, payments were made only up to January 2026.
Citing the Supreme Court, the Commission reiterated that pension is a vested legal entitlement and not a discretionary payment. The authorities have been asked to submit their comments and details of action taken or proposed by November 13.
