New Delhi: Among the beneficiaries of MCD's
pension scheme for elderly, widows and physically challenged,
around 3,300 have been collecting the amount from both the
civic agency and Delhi government, an internal inquiry by the
corporation has found.
The matter was raised at a meeting of the MCD Standing
Committee today. The panel's Chairman R K Singhal said a
person can avail such a benefit either from the civic agency
or from the Delhi government.
The MCD had received some complaints in this regard last
year, following which a probe was initiated.
The MCD also stopped payment of pension for the last six
months to all 1.90 lakh senior citizens, physically challenged
persons and widows receiving the benefit, officials said
adding, it has now been decided to conduct a detailed inquiry
to identify the 3,300 people.
"Initial investigation has revealed that there are more
than 3,300 people who have been collecting pension from both
the state government and the MCD. A through investigation is
being carried out," MCD Commissioner K S Mehra said.
"Once the investigation is over we will start releasing
the money to all the beneficiaries whose payment has been
stopped," an official said.
The civic body had in its 2010-11 budget increased the
pension amount for senior citizens, widows and the physically
challenged from Rs 500 to Rs 1,000 per month.
PTI
First Published: Wednesday, March 10, 2010, 22:33