Media impact: Old Age Pension of 90-yr old widow resumes; DM orders enquiry, praises media
District administration of Sepahijala in Tripura took cognizance of media reports pertaining to non-payment of Old Age Pension for the last 10 months to a nonagenarian, Niyati Sarkar. The administration not only resolved the issue but also ordered an enquiry to look into the matter.
After reports were published in various media, concerned officials, taking a prompt action, handed over a cheque to Niyati Sarkar clearing all her dues. Besides, an enquiry into the matter, as to why her pension was stalled, has been ordered. DM, Sepahijala Vishwasree B, IAS hailed the role of media in bringing up the issue.
Several print and electronic media carried reports on December 1 and 2 last detailing the plight of Niyati Sarkar of Jugal Kishore Nagar ADC in Jampuijala. She had a tough time as she was not receiving her Old Age Pension for the last 10 months. Old age pension is her only source of survival – the 90-year-old lady was also facing difficulty in buying her medicines after the pension was stalled.
Niyati Sarkar told the media that she had no idea as to why she was not getting her Old Age Pension – she also met several officials in vain.
Immediately after the report came to the notice of DM, Sepahijala Vishwasree B, IAS, she directed the officials of Jampuijala RD Block to look into the matter. The officials rushed to the house of Niyati Sarkar on Friday and gave her a cheque clearing all her dues.
Meanwhile, taking to Twitter, Vishwasree B wrote, “While the redressal was quick, this should not have happened. Enquiry is underway”. In her tweet, the DM also thanked the press for bringing out the issue.
Happy and relaxed after receiving her dues, Niyati Sarkar hailed the DM of Sepahijala, officials of Jampuijala RD Block and media persons who highlighted her plight and brought it to the notice of the administration.