BJP, BJYM, JD (U) slam Government over death of aged pensioner
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, April 16 2015 : Manipur BJP, Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha Manipur Pradesh, JD (U) have slammed the State Government holding it responsible for the death of a 75-year-old woman at 1st Manipur Rifles ground on Wednesday while waiting for her turn to take Old Age Pension share.

BJP alleged that the Social Welfare Department made a large number of Old Age Pension Scheme beneficiaries from four-five constituencies wait inside the 1st MR ground.

The party demanded ex-gratia to the family members of the deceased and warned that BJP would not remain silent over the incident.

In a separate statement, Manipur BJYM president O Malesh described the incident as "unfortunate." He said despite the State Government's claim that 80 percent of the pensioners have opened their own bank accounts, these senior citizens have been forced by the Social Welfare Department to collect the amount from places arranged by the department.

BJYM accused the Social Welfare Minister and the department's director of politicizing the pension scheme for their own personal benefits.

The morcha condemned the decision of the MLAs to distribute the pension money at their respective houses after the death of the old woman stating that the legislators had taken political advantage of the situation.

Malesh said "MLAs cannot distribute the pension money" and doubted that such steps would allow the Congress to woo voters ahead of the ADC polls slated for May 30 next.

"All pensioners must be allowed to collect money only through their bank accounts," he said.

BJYM also said it shared the grief of the bereaved family of the woman.

JD (U) condoles .

The State unit of JD (U) has also condoled the death of the woman and said the party will pay Rs 5000 to the next of kin.

Addressing the media at the party office at Babupara here, JD (U) president M Tombi appealed to the Government to ensure distribution of the old age pension money to all the beneficiaries through local clubs and other social organizations.

Tombi, meanwhile, welcomed the merger of six Janata Parivar groups as a single political force at the Centre.

He exuded confidence that JD (U) would play a crucial role in the ensuing ADC polls in Manipur and said that Samawadi Party, Janata Dal (U), Janata Dal (S), RJ (D), INLD and SJP have merged as a single political group.

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