Non-pensioned retirees ask Dr Kalam

Remember your promise, Mr President?

The All India Non-Pensioned cum Senior Citizens Retirees Association has petitioned the President of India highlighting the pathetic conditions of living of retirees of PSU/private bodies who do not draw any pension. The earnings of such people had come down to nearly half, due to frequent interest rate cuts, while at the same time, the prices were soaring year after year, it said. They were also deprived of monthly exgratia (or pension) and medical benefits unlike some sectors like ONGC and IOC who had recently extended monthly exgratia support to such retirees in recognition of their age and past services.

The petition lamented that the laws of the land had declined to give any direction to the Government on its petition. While, MPs were totally unconcerned and did not bother to bring up their issues before the Parliament.

The petition reminded the President that in his address at the 6th annual convention of SASAT 2004, he had through video conference, replied to a question raised by Dr. Umberto Correli (Italy) that he would lend his assistance and support to bringing in a Parliamentary Bill to take care of senior citizens. But after his reply, nothing had happened on this front. The association pleaded with him to act on his assurances before he demitted his office.