Delay in release of gratuity benefits leaves former Patiala MC official hassled

For nearly 10 years, Amarjit Sayal, 68, a retired Deputy Controller, Finance and Accounts (DCFA) from the Municipal Corporation, has been running from pillar to post to receive his revised gratuity benefits amounting to Rs 10 lakh.

Sayal said he was not alone in this struggle — around 150 other retired employees are also awaiting their pending gratuity payments.

“ I had served the department for 39 years and eight days with an unblemished record and retired from the post of DCFA, MC Patiala, on June 30, 2016. Post retirement I had settled in Jalandhar and shuttling twice a month to pursue my case. During the process I have come across nearly 150 retired employees to are yet to receive their dues,” he said.

He said he has repeatedly urged the concerned officials to expedite the processing of the pending gratuity dues to no avail, adding, “Although I am receiving a pension based on the revised pay scales, the difference in pension (between what is due and what has been paid) has still not been cleared. I have been pursuing this matter for nearly four years now, but my grievance remains unresolved.”

While Municipal Commissioner Paramvir Singh was not available for a comment, Mayor Kundan Gogia said, “I am not familiar with the details of the particular case. However, all such matters are being considered and dues if any will be cleared.”