Chennai, 07 Oct (H.S.): Delays in pension payments have left retired Anganwadi workers struggling to meet daily expenses, despite the Tamil Nadu government raising their monthly pension to Rs 3,400, beneficiaries have alleged.

Retired workers said payments were frequently held up for months, leaving those dependent on the pension facing uncertainty over household finances. They urged the Social Welfare Department to ensure regular disbursement and immediately clear pending arrears.

The government increased the monthly pension for Anganwadi workers and nutrition organisers from Rs 2,000 to Rs 3,400 in January. It also doubled the retirement benefit from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 2 lakh.

However, beneficiaries said the enhanced pension offered limited relief when it did not reach their bank accounts on time. For elderly retirees without another steady income, payment delays meant relying on relatives or borrowing to cover essential expenses.

“Payments are sometimes held up for months, forcing elderly beneficiaries to depend on family members or borrow money to meet essential expenses,” a retired worker said.

“When even the small amount of Rs 3,400 is delayed for months, it becomes extremely difficult to manage household expenses,” the worker added.

Another pensioner said timely payment mattered as much as the government's decision to increase benefits.

“The government announces increases and benefits, but what matters to us is whether the money reaches us on time. We cannot wait for months for every payment,” the pensioner said.

The retirees sought a streamlined disbursement process and a mechanism to prevent recurring delays. They also called for government announcements on benefits to be implemented promptly.

Their demand forms part of broader concerns raised by Anganwadi workers over pay, working conditions and financial security after retirement. Beneficiaries said regular pension payments were essential to making the announced increase meaningful.

Department officials did not respond when contacted for comment.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman