Relief for EOBI pensioners

It shows that the PTI-led Imran Khan government cares for the elderly. The recent announcement of increasing the old-age pension from the present Rs6,500 a month to Rs8,500 a month has come as a big relief for people of old age. Considering the rising inflation and the recent reduction in the profit rate of Behbood fixed deposit certificates, the increase in pension will give comfort to retired people. The increase in EOBI pension will come into effect from January next. Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Firdous Ashiq Awan has rightly said, “The increase in the pension is a manifestation of Prime Minister Imran Khan’s concern for the poor and downtrodden segments. This is a practical step towards the establishment of a welfare state on the model of the state of Madina.” Last month, Zulfiqar Bukhari, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister, had said the government intended to increase the pension amount to Rs15,000 a month during its tenure.

The old-age pension and cash transfer to the indigent are considerably helping the poor and that segment of society who need rest and are unable to work because of infirmities of advanced age. Old-age pension is a well-designed scheme to provide succour to the elderly. They get the benefit of making contribution, for a certain number of years during their working lives, to a special fund. We hope the government will facilitate the elderly in all possible ways. They should be given concession in medical care and prices of medicines. Necessary facilities should be provided in buildings to help the elderly. Some commercial banks have started providing special sitting arrangements and special counters for the elderly. This saves them from waiting in long queues. However, National Savings Centres are still operating manually because of which senior citizens have to wait for hours to get their work done. Computerisation of savings centres has been a long-standing demand. People are pinning hopes on this government in this regard. 

Published in The Express Tribune, December 15^th, 2019.

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