Oppn protests in NDMC House over delay in pension payment

Members of Opposition in the BJP- ruled NDMC today wore black bands and raised slogans in the civic body's House to protest against the non-payment of pensions to its former employees for the last 13 months.
Led by Congress, the members rose from their seats soon after the House had convened and raised slogans against the BJP over the issue.
Several members including Congress councillors and Leader of Opposition in House Mukesh Goel trooped into the well of the House demanding payment of pension arrears for the affected former employees.
"Around one lakh families are suffering in Delhi due to non-payment of pensions for the last 13 months, and it is BJP and NDMC's failure," Goel alleged.

"The Mayor had also earlier said that the pensions would be paid by June 30, 2015. But his assurances have remained assurances only, no payments were made," he said.
The NDMC, however, has sought to pass the buck on to the AAP dispensation, claiming, the delay was due lack of release of funds from Delhi government.

"A delegation led by North Delhi Mayor had met Chief Minister Kejriwal to seek release of the Municipal Reform Fund worth Rs 1.25 crore but it has not been released so far, so Kejriwal government should be blamed for this delay," the NDMC said.

Amid uproar, the BJP-ruled municipal House passed a resolution to condemn the AAP government over this long-standing issue.
Goel, however, countered it, saying, "if a resolution of this nature has to be passed, it should also be passed against the BJP-led Centre, which is also responsible for this mess. Why just blame the Delhi government? All three civic bodies are led by the BJP, so why should the Centre not be held responsible.