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Dehradun retired pensioners protest: The helplessness of old age is clearly visible at the protest site. Where people are huddled near bonfires to escape the cold, each passing day is making their struggle more difficult. These elders, wrapped in tattered blankets, with both hope and pain in their eyes, are asking just one question, “Do we have to die on the road for our honor?”
Dehradun. Dehradun, the capital of Uttarakhand, is experiencing bone-chilling dry cold these days. The temperature drops so much in the morning and evening that it becomes difficult for people to leave their homes, but even in this deadly weather, there are some faces who have left their homes and are standing outside the Public Works and Irrigation Department for the last two months to fight for their rights. These are the elderly pensioners of Uttarakhand, who have been protesting for the last two months regarding their pending demands. This story is not just about the protest, but about the poignant helplessness of many poor elders, which has brought them to the streets in this cold. For these people, pension is not just a government payment, but the basis of respect and life.
Never thought that…
Talking to Local 18, Paan Singh says that he used to work in PWD, Bhawali of Nainital district. He had taken a loan of Rs 8 lakh for his daughter’s marriage. I thought that if the pension comes, I will be able to pay the installments. I have been waiting for two months. The bank people call every day and here my bones are melting due to the cold. When pension has been paid to 80% people by the government, then why are we not seeing the problems of 20% people? Rameshchandra told that he has served in the Gopeshwar branch of this department for many years. We never thought that the department for which we are working day and night would be forced to stumble like this at this stage of our age.
the only option
Rameshchandra told that his wife was very ill, for whose treatment he sold his land. Due to expensive treatment, nothing was left in his hands. While coming to Dehradun, he borrowed money from other people for clothes and expenses. He himself is struggling with physical problems. He does not have money for his treatment, waiting for pension is the only option.
What did the officer say?
Among these protesters, there are many who had taken small loans for important purposes like their children’s education or their daughter’s marriage. They were hopeful that they would receive their monthly pension on time, so that they would be able to gradually pay off their debts and not become a burden on anyone in their old age, but the long wait for the pension is pushing them into the quagmire of financial crisis and mental stress. Officials of the department say that the problem of these pensioners has been brought to the notice of the government and whatever order comes will be followed.
