PANAJI
In a stern observation about administrative apathy, the Goa Human Rights Commission (GHRC) has expressed disappointment over a 21-month delay in releasing pension benefits to retired employees and the widow of a deceased staff member of the Pernem Municipal Council.
The Commission of Acting Chairperson Desmond D'Costa and Member Pramod Kamat recommended that the civic body clear dues with interest within 60 days.
“The delay in paying the pensions, being the only source of livelihood of the pensioners, has resulted in violation of the human rights of the pensioners, due to non-payment of monthly pensions from July 2024 to March 2026,” reads an extract of the inquiry report released on Friday, as the Commission took suo motu cognisance of a newspaper report highlighting that pensioners had been awaiting payments for nearly two years.
The commission observed that a pension is “neither a bounty nor a matter of grace” but a vested right earned through years of service, citing a Supreme Court ruling to underline that such payments are a social welfare measure ensuring socio-economic justice in old age.
The GHRC further noted that the chief officer of the Pernem Municipal Council had admitted to the delay, attributing it to financial constraints. The council had sought special budgetary support from the Directorate of Municipal Administration to clear pending dues.
However, the commission took a serious view of the prolonged delay, stating that failure to release pensions had left beneficiaries in distress and effectively violated their basic rights.
It has recommended that all outstanding pensions be disbursed within 60 days, along with interest at 8 per cent per annum from the date the payments became due.
The commission also asked the chief officer to submit a compliance report within the stipulated period, detailing action taken or proposed, as per provisions of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.
