The Maharashtra Pensioners’ Association have sent a letter to the Chief Minister stating their grievances over the dispatch of the arrears of the sixth pay commission. They will stage an agitation outside the Collectorate on February 16 to bring their demands to the attention of the authorities.

A member pointed out that the government must consider that majority of the pensioners are above 75 years. In the letter to the CM, the association points out that the over 10 lakh pensioners have been deprived of the benefits of the fifth pay commission as the regional pension office has not submitted the certified forms to the main office.

Strongly opposing the state government’s decision to pay the arrears of the sixth pay commission to over 10 lakh pensioners in five installments (over the next five years), the association issued a statement demanding that the payment be made in accordance with the central government’s decision to pay the arrears in two installments within two years.

They also say that the dearness allowance is not being considered in place of gratuity by the state government while it is given to the central government employees. These pensioners also do not have any medical facilities.