Senior citizens, widows complain of tedious process to get old age certificate
Pulwama: The senior citizens and widows on Monday complained of facing unnecessary inconvenience in getting the age certificates in Tral area of Pulwama district.
The age certificate is being obtained to get their old age pension from the government.
Earlier, authorities in the Tral sub division had organised a camp so as to provide age certificates to the senior citizens and widows.
Hundreds of people from different areas of Tral on Monday reached the camp spot in Tral town so as to get the age certificates.
But the elderly people were standing in long queues for hours while some had to return disappointed without getting their certificates.
“I reached the spot at around 8.30 am but failed to get my turn for several hours,” said Mohammad Ramzan, an elderly person from the area.
He said that some elderly persons fell unconscious while waiting for their turn.
“Elderly persons must get certificates at Panchayat Halqa level or even at block level so that they can get documents easily and submit them on time,” he said.
Another elderly person said there was no need to renew the certificate and suggested that the government should have only a Panchayat level committee of different departments to verify the certificates of those who are getting the pension.
“The elderly people who do not even dare to come out of their houses in this chilly winter have to remain in queues for hours together,” he said, adding and urged the higher ups to look into the matter and take necessary steps in this regard.
Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Tral Shabir Ahmad Raina said the camp was organised for senior citizens to get certificates at their doorstep.
“We were expecting around 500 people to complete but more people came and we engaged more officials so that all can get age certificates,” he said.
He said that people must co-operate and such camp will be organised next Monday also so that all can get their certificates to get their old age pension.
Jahangeer Ganaie
