Upset over delay in getting pensions, beneficiaries blame political parties in Andhra Pradesh

Door delivery of pensions stops after the ECI order against utilising services of village and ward volunteers for distribution of cash benefits under any welfare scheme until the Model Code of Conduct for elections is in force in State. Hundreds of volunteers submitted resignations in Machilipatnam.

Thousands of beneficiaries queued up in front of their respective village and ward secretariats in Andhra Pradesh, waiting for their pensions on April 1 (Monday).

The beneficiaries were upset as they did not get pensions at their doorsteps following the directions of the Election Commission of India (ECI) against utilising services of village and ward volunteers for the distribution of cash benefits under any welfare scheme, including social security pensions, until the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) for the elections is in force in Andhra Pradesh.

The volunteers working with the village and ward secretariats used to distribute the social security pensions at the doorsteps of the beneficiaries on the first day of every month.

The government is making alternative arrangements for distributing pensions to the beneficiaries. About 66 lakh people get various pensions in the State.

“We are not aware of the ECI orders. Many have been waiting since 7 a.m. for their pensions to be delivered at their doorstep. We will purchase medicines and use the pension for emergencies,” said a 70-year-old pensioner waiting in front of his house in Vuyyuru in Krishna district.

The beneficiaries also blamed the political parties for the delay in the distribution of pensions. The staff at the village and ward secretariat were tight lipped.

“It is a fight between the political parties for which the poor and senior citizens are paying the price. Lakhs of beneficiaries are suffering due to the delay in the disbursal of pensions,” said Sarojini, a senior citizen from Vijayawada.