The Indian Defence Accounts Department (IDAS) is set to hold its 53rd SPARSH outreach program in Kerala, aiming to tackle and resolve various pension-related issues faced by defence pensioners. This significant event will cover multiple districts, including Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, and Nagercoil, and is organized by the Chennai zone of the department.
Jayaseelan, the Controller of Defence Accounts, Chennai, anticipates a strong turnout of approximately 1,000 to 1,500 pensioners. He assured that all pension-related concerns would be addressed and resolved on the same day of the program. “All the stakeholders are part of the outreach programme, and all issues related to defence pensioners will be resolved on the same day. We will attend to every pensioner who approaches us tomorrow,” Jayaseelan stated at a press conference. The program is scheduled to commence at 9 AM on Thursday and will continue until all attending pensioners have had their issues heard, with no strict time limit for its conclusion.
Jayaseelan highlighted that the SPARSH outreach program is crucial for increasing awareness among pensioners about updated rules and criteria, which many may not be fully aware of. He specifically mentioned a rule amendment from 2012 that allows defence pensioners who have joined state government offices or public sector undertakings to receive both their defence pension and the pension from their new employment, a benefit that was not widely publicized.
Furthermore, the IDAS has been proactive in establishing ‘First Service Centres’ across Kerala to facilitate better service for pensioners. Currently, all districts except Malappuram and Idukki have these centres. Plans are underway to set up centres in the remaining two districts, which will make Kerala the first state in the country to have these service centres in every district. The Thiruvananthapuram region, along with neighboring Tamil Nadu districts, has a notable concentration of defence pensioners.
To ensure comprehensive coverage, the IDAS plans to conduct two more SPARSH outreach programs in Kerala soon, addressing pensioners from other districts. The inauguration of this particular program will be graced by Kerala Governor Rajendra Arlekar as the chief guest.