MADURAI: In an apparent display of apathy, the tahsildar of social security schemes here rejected the old age pension application of a nonagenarian, asking him to work for his bread.
Murugan’s (95), a resident of Sellur in the city, ordeal for old age pension began on May 19, this year, when he first applied for the scheme during a grievance day meeting at the collectorate. After several representations and running from pillar to post, his plea was finally registered on June 28.
Subsequently, the revenue inspector and the village administration officer visited his place and after proper verification declared him destitute. The old man also furnished a copy of his ration card to substantiate his claims. However, the nonagenarian’s world came crashing down on September 4, when the social security schemes tahsildar, Madurai East, sent a letter rejecting his plea. The official said that Murugan was fit enough to work even at the age of 95 and hence was not eligible for pension.
Speaking to Express, Murugan, who relies on support to even walk, said that his wife died four years ago and ever since he had been struggling.
“Though I had two sons and a daughter, they were in no position to help me. One of my sons is dead and the other is confined to bed due to paralysis while my widowed daughter is hard pressed to even fend for herself. It was under utter distress that I applied for the scheme, which was recently rejected,” he added.
Murugan, who himself was a government servant, had resigned as a sanitary inspector from the Madurai Corporation way back in 1957, due to which he had become ineligible for pension.
“It takes several minutes for me even walk out of the house, but the government has declared me fit. It believes that I am capable enough to work for my bread,” the 95-year-old said.
Despite several attempts, the officials declined to speak to Express on the issue.