The Election Commission of India has instructed the Andhra Pradesh government to distribute pensions and other cash transfer schemes without causing inconvenience to the public by using the services of permanent employees of the state government. Today morning, the apex poll body issued directives to Chief Secretary Jawahar Reddy regarding the distribution of old-age pensions to all eligible people of the state in the coming week.
As the election code of conduct is in force in the state ahead of the much-anticipated polls on May 13th, the Commission has debarred volunteers from disbursing pensions at the doorsteps of the public from last month. The move has thwarted the state government’s plan to doll out the pensions on time using its volunteers ahead of the polls. This has created a lot of furore among the public resulting in huge resentment on the ruling party for its inability to utilise other resources to ensure disbursement in a timely and hasle free manner.
The EC has now again reiterated its instructions issued on March 30 to be followed by the state government in distributing pensions and other cash transfer schemes from May 1st. It has also came down heavily on the government about the flurry of complaints that are being raised by the public regarding the mishandling of pension distribution.
The Commission also suggested the government to opt for direct benefit transfer wherever it is available and credit the amount directly into the accounts of the eligible pension holders.