Clear old-age pension backlog in 15 days: Minister to officials

Delhi Social Welfare Minister Ravinder Indraj Singh on Wednesday directed all district social welfare officers to clear the backlog of pending old-age pension applications within 15 days.

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The minister issued the directive during a high-level review meeting with district officials and departmental staff. He also emphasised accountability and timely delivery of welfare benefits.

The move comes after surprise inspections by the minister at district offices where he interacted directly with the beneficiaries. Several individuals reportedly complained about delays in processing applications and disbursing pensions.

“Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has made it clear that people visiting district welfare offices must be provided full support and their applications must be processed within the stipulated timeframe,” Indraj said.

He said district offices were the public face of the government, and beneficiaries must not be made to run from pillar to post. Apart from the old-age pension scheme, the minister also instructed officers to resolve pending applications under the Family Assistance Scheme and other welfare programmes without further delay.

“People applying under these schemes often come from poor and marginalised background. They should not be forced to make repeated visits to offices,” he said.

Indraj made it clear that any officer found responsible for delays or negligence would face disciplinary action. He also announced plans to continue surprise inspections at both district and department headquarters to monitor ground-level implementation.