Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 09 August 2025
Mrs. VD Leju, a social worker and recipient of the LG’s Commendation Award for Social Work, has appealed to the South Andaman District Administration to fix a definite date for the disbursement of social welfare pension to beneficiaries through banks.
In a letter addressed to the Deputy Commissioner, South Andaman, Leju highlighted the severe hardships faced by pensioners, including old-age, widow, specially-abled, and destitute beneficiaries, due to irregular payment schedules. She pointed out that delays — sometimes stretching for months — cause extreme financial distress to some of the most vulnerable members of society.
Leju urged that pensions be credited without fail in the first week of every month and suggested that banks reserve two fixed days during this period for pension disbursement on a priority basis. She also proposed setting up dedicated counters for pension beneficiaries and establishing clear communication channels through notices, SMS alerts, or other means to inform recipients about payment dates.
She further noted that many elderly and specially-abled persons are forced to make repeated trips to banks due to lack of information, adding to their financial and physical burden. “If government employees receive their salaries on time every month, why can’t the same be ensured for pensioners who depend entirely on ₹2,500–₹3,000 for survival?” she questioned.
The social worker also called for consideration of doorstep pension delivery for the most vulnerable beneficiaries, stating that such a move would be a “great boon” for those unable to travel.
Copies of her representation have also been sent to the Secretary (Social Welfare) and the Director, Directorate of Social Welfare, for urgent action.
