SBI to pay Rs 10,000 to widow for delaying pension

It was averred that the pension was revised by AG (Accounts & Entitlement),Punjab,Chandigarh with effect from 2006,which was submitted to the bank in December 2007,with a request to release the arrears.

Thereafter,the complainant alleged that she visited the bank a number of times for getting the payment,but to no avail.

Instead,they again demanded a copy of the letter on the pretext that the earlier copy had been misplaced.

Then the complainant submitted another letter to the bank stating that she had attained the age of 77 and therefore,she should be granted old-age pension as well.

In its reply,the bank admitted that late Surinder Nath,husband of the complainant,was getting pension from the bank but denied that the pension of the complainant was revised by AG,Punjab.

After hearing all parties,the forum decided the case in favour of the complainant. In its order,the forum observed: “There is certainly deficiency in service on part of the bank. They did not bother to see that the complainant is a widow and a senior citizen. It appears these facts were immaterial for the bank and they continued delaying her application,little realising that the livelihood of the complainant may be dependent on the payment of pension.”

“Instead of promptly performing their duty,the bank continued harassing the complainant firstly by not disbursing the amount to her,which was due,and secondly,she was compelled to approach them time and again for the settlement of her pension,” the forum said.