Information Commission seeks clarity on recovery of pension amount deposited before death

PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun

 A case related to old-age pensions has led to questions on whether the Social Welfare department can recover the amount deposited in a beneficiary’s account before their death. The department currently seeks refund of pension released after the beneficiary’s death but it is also allegedly asking for the return of the sum credited before the death, despite no clear provision supporting this demand. During a recent hearing, the State Information commissioner Yogesh Bhatt noted that existing rules do not clearly define the department’s authority in such a situation. He said that the absence of clarity on the rights of both the department and the recipient’s legal heirs raises concerns. The commissioner stressed the need for guidance from senior officials. The case involves Mehbooba Ali, a resident of Dalanwala in Dehradun, who passed away in 2024. After her death, her son Deepak Ali submitted relevant documents to stop the pension. He stated that the department demanded the return of three instalments released before the death, amounting to approximately Rs 7,500. The district social welfare office then sent the matter to higher authorities. Bhatt stated that according to the 23 November 2021 government order, after a beneficiary’s death, pension credited cannot go to the nominee, instead, it must be returned to the department. However, no instruction defines the status of the amount in the account before death. The commissioner directed the Social Welfare department to provide clear instructions on this issue. Ali said in his complaint that he received a notice to return Rs 10,500. He filed an RTI seeking rules on withdrawal of pre-death payments. The department did not provide a specific answer. The Information Commission has asked the department to clarify the policy within 20 days.