3,300 people taking pension from both MCD, Delhi govt: Probe

Among the beneficiaries of MCD's pension scheme for elderly, widows and physically challenged, around 3,300 have been collecting the amount from both the civic agency and Delhi government, an internal inquiry by the corporation has found.

Among the beneficiaries of MCD's pension scheme for elderly, widows and physically challenged, around 3,300 have been collecting the amount from both the civic agency and Delhi government, an internal inquiry by the corporation has found.

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The matter was raised at a meeting of the MCD Standing Committee on Wednesday. The panel's Chairman RK Singhal said a person can avail such a benefit either from the civic agency or from the Delhi government.

The MCD had received some complaints in this regard last year, following, which a probe was initiated.

The MCD also stopped payment of pension for the last six months to all 1.90 lakh senior citizens, physically challenged persons and widows receiving the benefit, officials said adding, it has now been decided to conduct a detailed inquiry to identify the 3,300 people.

"Initial investigation has revealed that there are more than 3,300 people who have been collecting pension from both the state government and the MCD. A through investigation is being carried out," MCD Commissioner KS Mehra said.

"Once the investigation is over we will start releasing the money to all the beneficiaries whose payment has been stopped," an official said.

The civic body had in its 2010-11 budget increased the pension amount for senior citizens, widows and the physically challenged from Rs 500 to Rs 1,000 per month.