The EditorElderly Man Marked Dead in Records, 2024 Pension Stopped
Guhla-Cheeka, February 24 – In a shocking case of administrative negligence, an elderly resident of Ward No. 3 in Cheeka has been struggling for over a year after being wrongly declared dead in official government records, leading to the stoppage of his old-age pension.
The affected individual, Joginder Singh, has been running from one government office to another in an attempt to restore his pension and clear his pending dues for the year 2024.
Declared Dead Despite Being Alive
According to Joginder Singh, officials of the Social Welfare Department marked him as deceased in 2023. As a result, his pension payments were stopped. When several months passed without the pension amount being credited to his bank account, he approached the concerned department to inquire about the issue.
To his utter shock, he was informed that, as per government records, he had already passed away.
The elderly man said the moment he heard this, “the ground slipped beneath his feet.” He could not understand how he had been declared dead in official documents while he was alive and in good health.
Struggle to Prove He Is Alive
What followed was a prolonged bureaucratic battle. Joginder Singh was forced to visit multiple government offices for months to prove that he was alive. The process involved repeated documentation, applications, and personal appearances before authorities.
Due to this error, his old-age pension for the entire year 2024 remained suspended, causing financial hardship. As a senior citizen dependent on the pension for daily expenses, the disruption severely affected his livelihood.
Letters Submitted to Authorities, No Relief Yet
Joginder Singh stated that he has submitted written representations to the Social Welfare Department and even approached the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kaithal, requesting immediate release of his pending pension from January 2024 to December 2024.
However, despite repeated appeals, he claims that no effective action has been taken so far.
Speaking to journalists on February 24, Joginder Singh expressed deep frustration over the lack of response from authorities. He warned that if his pending pension is not released soon, he will escalate the matter and seek an appointment with the Chief Minister to demand justice.
Administrative Lapses Raise Serious Questions
The case has raised serious concerns about data management and verification procedures within the Social Welfare Department. Declaring a living person dead in official records reflects a significant lapse in administrative oversight.
Such errors not only cause financial distress but also undermine trust in public welfare schemes meant to support vulnerable citizens.
Impact on Senior Citizens
Old-age pension schemes are designed to provide financial security to elderly individuals who often have limited or no regular income. Any disruption in pension payments can have serious consequences, especially for those who rely entirely on government assistance.
Residents of the area have expressed sympathy for Joginder Singh and demanded swift corrective action from the authorities.
Awaiting Official Response
As of now, there has been no official statement clarifying how the error occurred or when the pending pension will be released. The case highlights the urgent need for transparent grievance redressal mechanisms and timely resolution of such issues.
Conclusion
The ordeal faced by Joginder Singh serves as a stark reminder of how administrative errors can severely impact the lives of ordinary citizens. After being wrongly declared dead and deprived of his pension for an entire year, the elderly man continues to wait for justice and his rightful dues.
Whether the authorities will take prompt corrective action remains to be seen.
