Odisha CS Directs Departments To Ensure Timely Payment Of Pension To Retired Govt Staff

Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s chief secretary PK Jena has directed all departments of the state government to ensure timely payment of pension to retired employees.

According to sources, the chief secretary took a serious note of delay in completing necessary paper works of retired government employees which deprived them of getting their pensions and directed the administrative heads of all departments to fix the accountability.

Stating that pensioners are entitled to get 18% interest on their dues in case of delay in payment of pension, Jena told the officers to collect the amount from the salary of the official responsible for it.

The chief secretary pointed out that it is the responsibility of the government to ensure pension and other benefits after retirement under Odisha Civil Service (Pension) Rules 1992. But it has come to the notice of the government that several pension cases have been pending at different levels in the departments.

It has also come to light that the steps taken by the departments to streamline the process are not satisfactory, he said adding that they must follow the guidelines issued by the General Administration department and ensure payment of pension within the deadline.