NHRC asks for action taken report on old age pension 'fraud' in 2 districts

Kendrapada: National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a second notice to Odisha's principal secretary demanding an action taken report (ATR) on the alleged misappropriation of old age pension funds in Kendrapada and Jajpur districts.

NHRC's action follows a petition filed by human rights activist and lawyer Radhakanta Tripathy, who alleged that young individuals fraudulently claimed old age pensions by manipulating age documents in Aul block of Kendrapada district and Binjharpur block of Jajpur.

Under the state's pension scheme, seniors aged 60-79 years receive Rs 1,000 monthly, while those above 80 years get Rs 1,200. However, the petition alleges that many beneficiaries below 60 years have been receiving payments due to their political connections, depriving genuine recipients.

NHRC had initially sought an ATR within four weeks on March 3. Following non-compliance, the commission has now given a two-week deadline, warning of invoking coercive powers under Section 13 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, if the report is not submitted.

The development comes in the wake of a similar case last year when police charged around 65 people in Argala gram panchayat under Aul block for pension fraud. The case was registered following a complaint by block development officer Minati Jagdev, with charges including cheating by personation and document forgery under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

NHRC, which holds civil court powers during inquiries, can examine witnesses, require information, enter premises and seize documents in pursuit of justice for the affected elderly people.

Kendrapada: National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a second notice to Odisha's principal secretary demanding an action taken report (ATR) on the alleged misappropriation of old age pension funds in Kendrapada and Jajpur districts.

NHRC's action follows a petition filed by human rights activist and lawyer Radhakanta Tripathy, who alleged that young individuals fraudulently claimed old age pensions by manipulating age documents in Aul block of Kendrapada district and Binjharpur block of Jajpur.

Under the state's pension scheme, seniors aged 60-79 years receive Rs 1,000 monthly, while those above 80 years get Rs 1,200. However, the petition alleges that many beneficiaries below 60 years have been receiving payments due to their political connections, depriving genuine recipients.

NHRC had initially sought an ATR within four weeks on March 3. Following non-compliance, the commission has now given a two-week deadline, warning of invoking coercive powers under Section 13 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, if the report is not submitted.

The development comes in the wake of a similar case last year when police charged around 65 people in Argala gram panchayat under Aul block for pension fraud. The case was registered following a complaint by block development officer Minati Jagdev, with charges including cheating by personation and document forgery under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

NHRC, which holds civil court powers during inquiries, can examine witnesses, require information, enter premises and seize documents in pursuit of justice for the affected elderly people.