Shillong, September 30: The Office of the Accountant General (A&E), Shillong, in collaboration with the Finance (Pension Cell) Department, Government of Meghalaya, recently organised a Pension Adalat to facilitate the early settlement of long-pending pension cases.
The Adalat was held at the Accountant General’s office and covered cases from State Government offices in South West Khasi Hills and West Khasi Hills districts.
Senior Deputy Accountant General (Administration) Rupak Saha welcomed Drawing and Disbursing Officers (DDOs) and other stakeholders and stressed the need for close coordination among the authorities concerned to ensure timely settlement of pension cases.
Pensioners, DDOs and officials involved in processing the cases participated in the proceedings, during which each case was examined individually and relevant records and documents were verified.
Officials of the Accountant General’s Office also guided the Finance Department and DDOs on resolving complicated cases in accordance with applicable rules and procedures.
During the proceedings, it was observed that delays in several cases were caused by missing documents and prescribed forms that had not been submitted during the employees’ service period.
Officials therefore stressed the importance of timely submission of all required documents and urged the Finance Department to strengthen awareness among DDOs, Heads of Offices and Heads of Departments.
Stakeholders were advised to ensure that pension cases are submitted complete in all respects through the e-Pension Portal and to make full use of the online system for smooth and timely disbursement of benefits.
Meanwhile, under its Open Window Initiative, the Office of the Accountant General (A&E), Meghalaya, allows pensioners and other stakeholders to visit the concerned sections every Friday between 10 am and 1 pm for clarification on pension matters and grievance redressal.
The initiative was appreciated by participating pensioners, DDOs and other stakeholders as a useful measure to improve efficiency, transparency and responsiveness in pension administration in Meghalaya.
