There is no proposal for reduction of pension and no action is being contemplated by the government in this respect in wake of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the Centre said on April 19th, 2020
The official communication assumes great significance as rumours are afloat that the government is contemplating reduction or stoppage of pension.
“It has come to the notice of the Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare of the Union Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pension that in the wake of the current pandemic, Covid-19 and the ensuing economic scenario, many rumours are afloat that the Government is contemplating a reduction/stoppage of Pension which has become a source of worry for the Pensioners,” the government said in a communique.
“As clarified earlier, it is being reiterated that there is no such proposal for reduction of pension and no action is contemplated by the Government in this respect. Instead, the Government is committed for the welfare and well being of the pensioners,” the communique added.
There are 65.26 lakh central government pensioners. The Union Finance Ministry too said there will be no cut in pensions to central government employees.
“It is being reported that a 20% cut in Central Government Pensions is being planned. This news is FALSE. There will be no cut in pension disbursements. It is clarified that salaries and pensions will not be affected by Government Cash Management instructions,” the Finance Ministry tweeted.
Union Minister of State for Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, Jitendra Singh also said that the Government of India has neither held any discussion nor considered cutting the pension of senior citizens.
“Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government can never take such an insensitive step of transferring the pension money of people above 80 years of age to COVID1-19 fund,” said Singh.
Photo: Twitter
