A joint delegation of the J&K Civil Secretariat Pensioners Welfare Forum and the J&K Retired Accounts Personnel Forum (J&K Accounts ICON Group) met with the Director General of Accounts and Treasuries (DGAT), J&K. The Director of Accounts and Treasuries, Kashmir, was also present.
The delegation highlighted the difficulties faced by pensioners regarding their physical verification at respective treasuries, due to recent circular instructions issued by the Finance Department. The issue was discussed in detail with the DGAT and the Director of Accounts and Treasuries.
The authorities clarified that the physical verification is a one-time requirement as per the law/rules. They acknowledged the challenges faced by pensioners and emphasized that the government does not intend for senior citizens to experience any inconvenience or discomfort during the verification process. The DGAT and the Director of Accounts and Treasuries issued immediate instructions to Treasury Officers, ensuring that no senior citizen should face any inconvenience during the physical verification. Pensioners are only required to bring their Pension Payment Order (PPO) and any identity proof, such as an Aadhaar card or PAN card.
Authorities also addressed concerns about false information circulating on social media. They urged that any such incidents be reported so they can be addressed appropriately.
The delegation requested the DGAT to implement a hassle-free mechanism in the treasuries, suggesting that JKBank branch-wise pensioners be invited for verification on fixed dates/days to avoid rush and difficulties for senior citizens. The DGAT directed Treasury Officers to develop such mechanisms to streamline the verification process.
Additionally, for super senior citizens (80 years and above) or ill pensioners unable to visit treasuries, the Treasury Officer will conduct verification at their residence. Pensioners residing outside the UT of Jammu and Kashmir or abroad should wait for a foolproof arrangement to be devised.
The delegation also requested that pensioners drawing their pension from the Secretariat Treasury Jammu/Srinagar be allowed to enter the Secretariat premises without difficulty. The DGAT assured that SP Security would be requested to facilitate easy entry for these pensioners.
The DGAT gave a patient hearing to the delegation, for which we express our gratitude , said Mohammed Salim Zahid ,Admin, J&K Retired Accounts Personnel (J&K Accounts ICON Group) Chandji Bhat , General Secretary, J&K Civil Secretariat Pensioners Forum in a joint statement
