Guwahati: In a move aimed at addressing persistent complaints over delays in pension disbursal, the Assam govt has introduced a monetary penalty provision of Rs 250 per day for officials responsible for delaying pension processing.In a notification issued by the administrative reforms, training, pension and public grievance dept, the govt stated that financial penalties would be imposed on heads of offices (HOO) and officials found violating the notified timeline for pension clearance.“Financial recovery shall be made at the rate of Rs 250 per day, subject to a maximum of Rs 5000, from the officials responsible at each stage of pension processing. The recovery shall be effected through the FinAssam portal from the salary bill and reflected as deduction in the following month,” the notification stated.The govt said the measure was aimed at ensuring strict adherence to timelines and streamlining the pension disbursal process for retired employees.Delayed pension cases will now be identified every month through the Kritagyata portal, following which lists of pending cases will be circulated among the concerned departments, deputy commissioners, and senior departmental secretaries for review and action.The notification further directed drawing and disbursing officers (DDOs) to ensure that recoveries are carried out as per the new provisions and that records of such deductions are submitted to the concerned department.Taking to X, CM Himanta Biswa Sarma wrote, “Our retired employees have contributed richly to Assam’s progress. It is their right to receive timely pensions. To achieve this, we’re enforcing an accountability framework, which also imposes a penalty on those responsible for delays. Our pensioners deserve respect and dignity.”
