Pics: Justin D’Silva

Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (HB)

Udupi, Aug 1: The members of Provident Fund (PF) Pensioners Association staged protest in front of PF office, near Tulunadu Tower here on Wednesday, July 31 demanding raise in minimum PF pension amount to Rs 6,000.

H Narasimha, vice president of, State Provident Fund Pensioners’ Association said, “At present, the pension amount is not enough to lead a simple life. Today Aadhar card is made mandatory for all work, but there is age difference in earlier pension card. It is creating problem in getting provident pension amount. Beedi workers are working since 20 to 30 years. Though there is fund in PF department, they are doing nothing. They should give pension, based on PF card and not Aadhar card.

“Moreover, people’s representatives are not showing any interest in solving the issue. Banks are not showing any concern towards us. There is need to be bring changes in the Pension Act. Many old people depend on pension for their livelihood. Though the minimum pension was raised to Rs 6,000, majority of pensioners are only getting less than Rs 1,000 per month.

“The government has to increase provident fund amount for time to time. Most of the beedi workers are illiterate and many of them do not have accurate date of birth. Today, PAN card is also included as proof. While comparing these cards, the date of birth may not be same. That is why, the department is denying pension. It is better that the concerned department considers date of birth mentioned in the Aadhar card.

Vishwanath Rai, district president of CITU, Balakrishna Shetty, secretary, Umesh Kundar, Sanjiva, Kaviaraj and others were present.