There are disturbing reports
in the press that the Pensions Dept. has decided to do away with
the `D2chit`D3 and to remit the pension to the bank. This will
certainly take a load off the pension office, but adds heaps of
misery on the poor pensioners. I do hope they have second
thoughts on this matter.Now take my case `D1 which could not
be considered isolated. Surprisingly, I did receive a chit for
October, 2006. It contains several new entries in as many new
headings.
1. Year and month
2. Basic pension
3. Arrears
4. C. L. A. (new addition)
5. Abatements
6. Total entitlement.
Now had I gone to the bank, I would not have had a clue. With
the details given, I could raise a few relevant queries which
the bank manager will not be able to enlighten me on.
Part 2 of my problem.
My pension office is in an area which has been closed to
traffic due to security reasons. One cannot go on that road even
as a pillion rider on a push bike.
I cannot walk the distance due to reasons of health.
Office cannot be contacted by phone as I always get a
`D2engaged`D3 signal. The office does not seem obliged to answer
any letters about twelve registered letters sent during the last
two years were not even acknowledged. I do not wish to trouble
the postal department.
On top of all that, the Pensions Department wants to do away
with the pension chit, which symbolises the last link we will
have with a government department.
How cruel one can get!
A Pensioner
Colombo 5.
