Srinagar, July 12 (KNS): Apni Party General Secretary and former legislator Rafi Ahmad Mir, Wednesday, expressed grave concern over the Social Welfare Department's failure to provide pensions to the beneficiaries, despite the completion of their verification process.

In his statement, Rafi Ahmad Mir said that the department ceased disbursing pensions to the beneficiaries approximately six months ago, using the verification process as an excuse. Although the verification of most of the beneficiaries has already been completed, their due payments are yet to be released.

He said, "It is distressing to learn that the Social Welfare Department is withholding pension payments from elderly persons, widows, and handicapped individuals, even though the majority of them have successfully undergone the verification process. The officials involved must acknowledge that these beneficiaries belong to the below poverty line segment, and their pension, though modest, holds great significance for their livelihood. Therefore, they should not be further deprived of their rightful dues."

He appealed to the LG administration to thoroughly investigate the matter and ensure that these poor and downtrodden individuals receive their pensions promptly, without any further delay.(KNS)