Message from President regarding Old Age Pension duty

Dear Members,

This is to inform you that one of our members (Medical Officer) was suspended last year on account of alleged negligence during old age pension duty.

As all of you know, there is no medical criteria to demarcate whether a person is below (eg 58 yr) or above sixty year (eg 62 yr) by looking at the physical appearance only. The Doctor has to assess the age by physical appearance which is subjective and vague.

There was a complaint from the people who were not included in the list of beneficiaries of old age pension scheme. The allegation was that the above said Doctor had demanded bribe for declaring applicants eligible for the benefit. An enquiry was ordered and simultaneously resurvey of the Pension was conducted by other Doctor. In that enquiry, the charge for taking money was found to be false. But in resurvey the no. of beneficiaries were reduced by nearly 25 – 30% and he was suspended on the grounds of gross negligence in assessing the age.

As you are aware that every time during re-survey which was ordered by the Govt itself, the no. of Beneficiaries differs by a variable percentage.

In view of the above case Doctors on pension duty are advised to verify the age on the basis of:

1. Direct Evidence like his/her Birth Certificate/Matric Mark Sheet/or any other written document verifying his/her age and this should be attached with the form.
2. Indirect Evidence like age proof of his/her eldest child.
3. In doubtful and borderline cases refer the case for board review.

Doctors are strongly advised not to declare any candidate eligible under any pressure or inducement to avoid such type of harassment.

State President

HCMS Association

Copy of letter from Director, Social Welfare and Empowerment Department, Haryana regarding Old Age Samman Allowance, dated 29-6-10 is attatched for your reference. (pdf file)