'Arrears for widows of Bhopal gas victims not yet received'

'Arrears for widows of Bhopal gas victims not yet received'

PENSION meant for widows of Gas victims is not being channelised properly. From April 2014, ihcy are not receiving it and as per the officials, misappropriation in the audit related details is the reason for the delay. Arrears are not being received, stating that the accepted date of the applicaiion will only be taken into account and not the submission date, which is not in accordance with the rules. Bhopal Gas Mahila Udyog Sangathan has submitted letter to Praveen Krishna, Chief Secretary of Health Services in Madhya Pradesh in this regard.

Earlier also, the gas survivors had protested that the amount should be able to facilitate the Bhopal gas victims and their family in a better way as Rs 200 is a meagre amount and it does not provide any financial support to the family. In last nine years, the salary of MLAs has seen a sharp increase and the pension amount given lo them has also been doubted. But when it comes to the Bhopal gas victims, the pension amount provided to the Bhopal gas victims has been increased only by Rs50. Earlier, the amount given to Bhopal gas victims was about Rs 150 and now, the amount has been increased to jusl Rs 200.

They have also claimed that many of the family members are having serious physical problems because of which they are unable to get good employment opportunities and are not able to support the family. The amount has not been changed since 19% and inspite of increase in the expenses, Bhopal gas victims are expected to be satisfied with the meagre amount they are getting. People living below poverty line require correct amount of pension as it's their right and Madhya Pradesh is showing discrimination against them, which is unfortunate.

Posted in: News 2014