The Uttarakhand government has initiated strict action after a major irregularity involving dual pension benefits came to light. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has directed officials to investigate cases where individuals were allegedly receiving both government pensions and social security benefits simultaneously.
The move follows findings in a recent report by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG), which flagged significant discrepancies in the state’s pension system.
Government Orders Immediate Action
Taking a firm stand, CM Dhami instructed departments to identify beneficiaries who violated pension rules and to stop their payments without delay. He also called for legal proceedings against those found guilty of wrongfully availing multiple benefits.
Officials across departments have been told to treat the issue with urgency. The state government emphasized that welfare schemes must reach only those who are genuinely eligible.
Why Dual Pension Is Not Allowed
According to state rules, individuals already receiving a government pension are not eligible to simultaneously claim benefits under social security schemes such as:
- Old-age pension
- Widow pension
- Other state welfare pensions
Authorities say drawing both types of benefits amounts to misuse of public funds. The government now plans to systematically identify such cases and cancel ineligible payments.
CAG Report Exposes 1,377 Cases
The controversy surfaced after the CAG audit revealed that 1,377 beneficiaries in Uttarakhand were receiving dual pension benefits in violation of norms.
The audit pointed to gaps in verification and monitoring mechanisms within the pension distribution system. Following the disclosure, the state administration accelerated its review process.
Officials believe the number could change after detailed verification of records across departments.
Accountability to Be Fixed
Chief Minister Dhami has ordered a comprehensive probe and stressed that responsibility will be fixed at every level. If any administrative negligence or procedural lapse by officials is discovered, disciplinary action may follow.
The government is also considering strengthening digital verification systems and inter-departmental data sharing to prevent similar cases in the future.
Focus on Transparency and Fair Distribution
State authorities reiterated that welfare programs are designed to support the most vulnerable sections of society. Allowing ineligible beneficiaries to draw multiple pensions deprives deserving citizens of support.
The administration has directed departments to enforce rules strictly and improve monitoring to ensure transparency in pension disbursement.
Bottom line: Uttarakhand has launched a statewide review of pension beneficiaries after audit findings revealed widespread dual claims. With strict instructions from CM Pushkar Singh Dhami, the government aims to stop misuse, recover losses where applicable, and ensure that welfare benefits reach only eligible recipients.
