Mysuru: Strongly condemning the temporary suspension of pensions under social security schemes (Old age pension, Sandhya Suraksha, Family Assistance Scheme, Handicapped Scheme, Destitute Widow Wage Scheme, Maitri Scheme etc.,), the affected senior citizens and other beneficiaries staged a demonstration in front of the Taluk Office in Nazarbad here yesterday.

Stating that the State Government has capped the annual income to just Rs. 32,000 for availing benefits under various schemes, the protesters argued that this capping defies logic and deprives them of benefits, which they badly need to lead a decent life. Alleging that their pensions and benefits have been suspended for the past few months, they demanded continuance of pensions and other benefits that they were entitled to.

Urging the Government to restore the earlier annual income limit and to issue pensions only for BPL card holders as was being done previously, they warned of a massive agitation if the Government fails to resume payment of all types of social security pensions.