Senior Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee launches old age pension scheme on his seat; BJP Questions
Abhishek Banerjee has set up a pension scheme in Diamond Harbor, aimed at financial stability and protection of the elderly. However, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has raised concerns over funding, is raising eyebrows over the source of financial support for this project.
Calcutta: Abhishek Banerjee, a well-known veteran of the Trinamool Congress, started a remarkable pension scheme for the elderly in Diamond Harbour, his constituency. The sequence of this event takes place just before the impending Lok Sabha elections and is primarily aimed at promoting financial security for senior citizens. However, the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) raised concerns over the source of funding for this scheme, according to a report by news agency PTI.
TMC’s ‘Shroddhargyo’ (Respect for Seniors) initiative.
Under the ‘Shroddhargyo’ (Respect for Senior Citizens) initiative launched by the TMC National General Secretary, 16,380 party volunteers will contribute funds towards providing a monthly pension of Rs 1,000 to 76,000 to senior citizens in the Lok Sabha constituency in South 24 Parganas district in West. Bengal.
The report also said that the special initiative will mark Banerjee’s two terms on the seat. Speaking about the programme, Banerjee said, “A total of 16,380 volunteers have been shortlisted to put a smile on the faces of the senior citizens in Diamond Harbor. These volunteers will conduct checks and carry out the verification process. About 76,000 beneficiaries will receive the old-age pension.”
Abhishek Banerjee’s promise
Banerjee exuded confidence that the TMC government would also implement a similar scheme across the state. The pension of Rs 1,000 will be paid through checks or direct bank transfers. On the other hand, Leader of the Opposition in the assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, questioned the source of funding required for the initiative.
“Generally, such schemes are initiated by central or state governments. How can an MP start a direct cash transfer scheme? I will draw the attention of the competent authorities to investigate the origin of the funds and verify the authenticity of these 16,380 volunteers,” he told reporters.
The funds will come from the contributions of the volunteers and there is no room for any form of irregularity. Banerjee has also started providing financial assistance to around 3,000 MGNREGA workers who have lost their jobs, who participated in the TMC’s protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi in October last year. He had earlier launched initiatives for residents of his constituency during the COVID-19 pandemic, which attracted both praise and criticism.
(With input from agencies)