Give pension to mentally-challenged persons, SHRC to J

Srinagar, Feb 12 (UNI) The State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has directed the Jammu and Kashmir Government to consider sanctioning of pension to mentally-challenged people under the family pension plans before the death of their working parents.

The commission Chairman Justice M Y Kawoosa asked the state government to consider altering the pension rules in order to cover such persons.

Passing the recommendations in a case filed by one O P Sharma whose son is mentally retarded since birth, Justice Kawoos observed that the pension rules allow a disabled dependent of a pensioner to get benefits after death of the parents.

He said there is no dispute about the rule position but the question is only of timing as after the death of the parents, how can a mentally retarded person be able to plead his or her case for pension.

Mr Sharma had sought directions to the Accountant General for issuance of entitlement of family pension to his son in advance and the benefits be given only after the death of parents as per the pension rules.

Appreciating the gravity of the case, the SHRC Chairman recommended to state government through the Chief Secretary to direct the Finance Department to consider altering the pension rules, so that such cases are covered for entitlement of family pension in advance and the benefits be given only after the death of the parents.

UNI