Supreme Court Slams Punjab Government Over Non-Implementation Of 1996 Pension Scheme

The Supreme Court of India has criticized the Punjab government for failing to implement a nearly three-decade-old pension scheme.

The court expressed strong disapproval of the government’s inaction and issued a contempt notice to key officials.

Contempt Notice Issued To Chief Secretary

The Supreme Court bench, consisting of Justice Abhay Shreeniwas Oka, Justice Surya Kant, and Justice N Kotiswar Singh, directed Punjab Chief Secretary KAP Sinha and other officials to respond to the court’s contempt notice.

The bench strongly criticized the indecisive approach of the Punjab government and remarked that the repeated assurances by the administration had amounted to nothing more than empty promises.

Court Calls Punjab Government’s Inaction ‘Shameful’

The court expressed frustration over the lack of action, calling the situation ‘shameful.’

It warned the Punjab government that if it did not act swiftly, the court would intervene and order financial assistance for the beneficiaries of the scheme.

The bench made it clear that the government should not take the matter lightly.

Court To Demand Affidavit From Punjab Government

During the hearing, Justice Oka made it clear that from now on, the court would not accept oral statements from the Punjab government.

He emphasized that the government would need to submit an affidavit from the concerned officers, detailing their actions.

This marks a significant shift in the court’s approach, signaling its dissatisfaction with the repeated failure of the government to fulfill its obligations.

The case revolves around the Punjab Privately Managed Affiliated and Punjab Government Aided College Pensionary Benefits Scheme, 1996.

The government announced the scheme on December 18, 1996, but it has yet to implement it.

The petitioners, led by Rajnish Kumar, have long demanded that the government implement the pensionary benefits scheme for eligible college staff.

History Of Delayed Promises

The Punjab government has a long history of failed promises regarding this scheme.

In 2001, the government assured the Punjab High Court that the scheme would be finalized within three months.

However, the scheme’s implementation was delayed again in 2002 when the Principal Secretary of the Higher Education Department apologized for failing to comply with the court’s orders.

In 2002, the government proposed a new scheme, but it sparked further controversy.

Despite the Punjab government’s multiple assurances, it took no substantial action, frustrating both the petitioners and the court.

Supreme Court’s Strong Warning

In the last hearing, Justice Oka made it clear that the court would no longer tolerate further delays.

He sternly warned that if the government failed to take immediate action, officials could face consequences, including possible jail time.

The court will reconvene on April 4 for the next hearing, where it will review the progress and decide on further measures.

The case continues to be a significant legal battle, highlighting the persistent failures of the Punjab government in implementing vital schemes.

The Supreme Court’s involvement underscores the severity of the issue, as the court seeks to hold the state accountable for its repeated inaction.

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