Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji
Panaji, Oct 13: The Goa Human Rights Commission (GHRC) has held that repeated delays in pension payments by the Pernem Municipal Council have violated the human rights of retired employees and recommended that the council and the Directorate of Municipal Administration clear seven months of pension arrears within 30 days, along with 8 per cent annual interest.
In its inquiry report dated October 12, the Commission, comprising members Desmond D’Costa and Pramod Kamat, recommended payment of outstanding pensions for the period from February to September 2026, with interest calculated from the respective due dates until the amounts are paid.
The Commission also directed the authorities to establish a permanent mechanism to ensure that pensions are disbursed during the last four working days of every month.
The Pernem Municipal Council attributed the delays to its strained financial position, admitting that it could not immediately clear the entire outstanding amount from its available resources. It sought three months to settle the dues and requested financial assistance of Rs 13.83 lakh from the Directorate of Municipal Administration.
Three former employees — Madan Desai, Shakuntala Parab and the widow of lower division clerk Sangeet Patekar — had filed the latest complaint over the non-payment of pensions.
The Commission noted that it had earlier taken suo motu cognisance of a similar issue following a newspaper report highlighting the plight of retired employees and a widow who had been awaiting their pensions for 22 months.
In its report dated April 17, the Commission had recommended that 21 months of pension arrears be cleared within 60 days, along with 8 per cent interest. However, payments were made only up to January 2026, prompting further concerns over the continued delays.
Citing the Supreme Court, the Commission reiterated that pension is a vested legal entitlement and not a discretionary payment that authorities can withhold at their convenience.
The authorities have been asked to submit their comments and details of the action taken or proposed by November 13.