Since February of this year, the Social Welfare Department has been refusing to release the meager monthly pensions of a sizable number of vulnerable people, including elderly people, widows and divorcees, women in need, transgender people, and people with disabilities. These people are fighting for their lives. All beneficiaries have to reapply on the SUGAM portal in order to continue enjoying the benefits of the scheme after the government passed new regulations in September of last year. It forced those who were already in a difficult situation to deal with the bureaucracy and collect numerous documents like domicile certificates, age certificates, Aadhaar, and handicap certificates. The livelihoods of those who are most at risk, such as the elderly, widows, divorcees, distressed women, transgender people, and those with disabilities, are significantly aided by this pension money. This little pension of Rs. 1000 acts as a lifeline for many of them, enabling them to meet their basic necessities and pay for necessary bills. This money helps elderly persons with little resources pay for some of their daily essentials, including food and healthcare. The financial difficulties widows frequently encounter are somewhat lessened by this annuity, which offers them some stability. Due to the need for specialized healthcare, assistive technology, and several other costs, people with disabilities frequently face significant financial difficulties. Some of these additional necessary costs are somewhat offset by the pension. Although little, a pension of Rs. 1000 can have a big impact on these people’s life. It gives them a sense of security and aids in meeting their immediate requirements. However, the delay in paying out the pension has put these helpless people in a stressful and uncertain situation. Governments frequently struggle with addressing problems like ghost beneficiaries, duplication, and maintaining openness in social welfare programmes. The government wants to increase efficiency, accountability, and targeted benefit delivery, thus it has implemented online registration and linked it to Aadhaar. While these methods can aid in addressing some issues, it is important to recognize that they may also unintentionally negatively affect real beneficiaries, putting them at risk of experiencing difficulties during the registration process or delays in getting their pensions. Preventing abuse and ensuring that deserving individuals receive the assistance they require is a delicate equilibrium. The recipients of these pensions are people who are already struggling, and they frequently do not have the wherewithal to meet the requirements. These vulnerable individuals frequently experience severe financial troubles and lack the resources necessary to readily meet the government’s criteria. These people may lack the resources, access to the internet, or digital literacy skills necessary to meet the eligibility requirements, such as producing documents or completing the online registration process. Because of their disadvantage, individuals have a harder time navigating the system and meeting the standards to be eligible for the pensions they need. Contrary to all expectations, a sizable number of beneficiaries have already registered themselves on the SUGAM portal; yet, even they have not received their pensions in months for reasons that are better known to the authorities. The pension recipients have endured great hardship previously and have waited patiently for their pension payments for a long time. It is an opportunity for the higher authority to step in to prioritize the recipients’ welfare and make sure they swiftly receive the financial aid to which they are legally entitled.
The authorities must make every effort to remove any administrative or technological obstacles that have prolonged the pay-out procedure. This would not only relieve these people of their immediate financial burden but also show that we care about their welfare and well-being. The administration must find a balance between stopping fraud and making sure that legitimate recipients get the support they need without undue delay or hardship.