Today, 9th November, I have gone to the State bank of India, Calicut to have some transactions. There was a long row/queue of senior citizens reaching to the outside of the spacious hall of counters. I spoke and found out that they are the pensioners of the state and central governments waiting to give the Life Certificate for which the State Bank has given dates up to 20th November. This is as per the government rules that once in a year in the month of November within the stipulated days, the pensioner should personally present himself/herself and sign certain documents in the presence of an officer to establish that he/she is living and eligible for pension. Certainly this is a proof that they are living.
I found very senior pensioners who were finding it very difficult to stand a long time.
When such is the position, there should be sufficient arrangements for ensuring that these retirees/pensioners are given special attention and early disposal of their cases. It is the responsibility of the Centra/State Governments to ensure that these senior citizens are not harassed and their cases are settled promptly.