Lucknow: Following the revelation of a ₹43.13 crore scam in the Chitrakoot treasury, the Uttar Pradesh government has taken decisive action to revamp the state’s pension payment system. The new measures aim to prevent any misuse of funds and ensure complete transparency in pension and arrear disbursements.
Major Changes in Pension Payment Process
Under the new system, monthly pension payments and arrears will be processed through separate software procedures. This segregation is intended to eliminate the possibility of irregularities and fraudulent transfers.
The move comes after it was discovered that a senior clerk manipulated the software to transfer crores of rupees into fake accounts, prompting immediate government intervention. The NICAS software has now been upgraded to align with the revised procedures.
Key features of the new system include:
- Pension and arrear bills will be generated through separate links in the software.
- Additional data fields will be added to clearly identify the payment categories.
- Detailed instructions have been issued to district magistrates and treasury officers to ensure proper implementation.
- Payments will be structured so that funds are directly credited to the intended beneficiaries, reducing the risk of large sums being diverted into a single account.
Investigation and Recovery
Following the Chitrakoot treasury scam, authorities identified 93 pensioners’ accounts where the fraudulent transactions occurred. A thorough investigation by the Special Task Force (STF) is underway, and a detailed audit of treasuries across 24 districts has been initiated.
The scam reportedly involved irregular arrear payments dating back to 2018, and so far, ₹3.62 crore has been recovered. The government is committed to ensuring that such manipulation does not occur in the future.
Ensuring Transparency and Security
The Uttar Pradesh government has emphasized that the new system will make pension and arrear payments fully transparent. By mandating the creation of separate bills for pensions and arrears across the state, officials aim to safeguard the financial interests of pensioners and enhance accountability within the treasury system.
Officials believe the reforms will not only prevent future scams but also ensure that pensioners receive their dues in a secure and timely manner.
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