PANJIM: After Goa Human Rights Commission (GHRC) took cognisance of Herald report on the non-release of pension to retired teachers, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has now ordered an inquiry into the purposeful delays in processing the payment of pensioners in the State.
Sawant has sought a report with regards to pending cases of pensioners and has also sought reasons for holding back the files. The chief minister has also warned of action against the officers responsible for the delay.
Chief Minister’s Office has learnt that the issue is not just restricted to Education Department but other departments too. Herald had exposed how 30 retired teachers are awaiting release of their pension for the last two years and that the Directorate of Accounts is giving unwarranted excuse for not releasing payment.
“Government servants who are handling these files of pension are entirely responsible for this delay. If they can’t forward the pension files in time of their former colleagues, what service will they render to the common citizens?” Sawant questioned.
He said that the inquiry would identify the guilty government servants, who would have to face action as per the law.
“Pensions are not held back because of lack of funds with the State government but entirely due to delay in process by government servants handling these files,” Sawant said.
“There is no issue with funding. The files are held back for the reasons known best to those officers. We will take action against all,” he said.
GHRC had on Monday issued notice to Secretary Education, Director Education and Director of Accounts seeking their response on delay to pay pension to the teachers. They have been asked to submit their reply by July 25.
