Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)
Udupi, Jan 8: Eighty-five-year-old Vasu Kotian has spent the past two years running from one government office to another in pursuit of his rightful family pension following the death of his wife, and has now sought the assistance of the Udupi-based Human Rights Protection Foundation.
Addressing reporters at a press conference on Thursday, January 8, Dr Ravindranath Shanbagh, president of the Foundation, said, “Varija Kotian, who served for 36 years at a primary school in Surathkal, retired in December 2013. She received her pension for nearly ten years and passed away in January 2023. As per rules, her husband Vasu Kotian became eligible for the family pension. On March 23, 2023, he submitted an application along with all required documents to the Block Education Officer (BEO) in Mangaluru. After verification, the BEO forwarded the application with recommendations to the Accountant General (AG).”
Dr Shanbagh added, “Even after three weeks, there was no response from the AG’s office. Vasu Kotian personally visited the AG's office in Bengaluru and was informed that his file had not yet arrived. About three months later, during his second visit, clerical staff confirmed the file had arrived but processing could take 45 days. Later, he was informed that a Survivor Certificate was mandatory. He immediately obtained it from the Mangaluru tahsildar and forwarded it to the AG, along with a joint family photograph.”
Over the last two years, Vasu Kotian submitted applications three times, enclosing all relevant documents including his wife’s death certificate, original pension sanction order, Survivor Certificate, and joint family photograph. He also sent seven reminder letters, most of which were forwarded with recommendations from the BEO’s office. Despite these efforts, there was no response, and he personally visited the AG's office eight times, repeatedly requesting action.
On one occasion, a registered letter addressed to the deceased Varija Kotian was sent by the AG office. “Although Vasu Kotian was ready to receive it, the postman refused, insisting on Varija Kotian’s signature. The letter was returned to the AG office. Later, the education department confirmed the same letter had been sent to both the deceased teacher and her husband,” said Dr Shanbagh. When Vasu Kotian questioned how a deceased person could provide a signature, he allegedly received a rude response from the AG's office.
Dr Shanbagh emphasised, “According to court rulings and government guidelines, in cases where no nomination exists, the family pension must be granted to eligible family members.” The Survivor Certificate issued by the tahsildar lists Vasu Kotian and their two children. As both children are over 40, Vasu Kotian alone is eligible for the pension.
The Human Rights Protection Foundation has now taken up the matter with the Accountant General and escalated it to the union ministry of finance, demanding justice for the senior citizen. The organisation has reiterated its commitment to stand by Vasu Kotian until he receives the pension he is rightfully entitled to.
The press conference was attended by Vasu Kotian, Anil, Shashank, Rishi Baradwaj, and Aishwarya.