Last week, the Allahabad High Court directed a government official in Unnao to ensure the provision of an old age pension to 15 individuals who do not possess Aadhaar cards. Despite lacking Aadhaar cards, these individuals are eligible for an old age pension. The court’s order underscores the importance of ensuring social welfare benefits for vulnerable populations, even in cases where individuals do not have Aadhaar cards.
Uttar Pradesh: Last week, the Allahabad High Court directed the District Social Welfare Officer in Unnao to ensure the provision of old-age pensions to 15 petitioners. These individuals, previously denied benefits due to the absence of Aadhaar cards and mobile phones, represent a broader issue facing society’s marginalized sections.
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Background
The Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed by 15 individuals who found themselves ineligible for old-age pensions due to the lack of Aadhaar cards and mobile numbers. This requirement posed a significant barrier due to their financial constraints and physical limitations, such as the lack of ridges on their thumbs and fingers, which are essential for biometric verification.
The petitioners argued for alternative verification methods, suggesting that their bank account numbers and associated passbooks, which contain their photographs, could serve as sufficient proof of identity. This approach aimed to bypass the rigid requirements that had unjustly excluded them from receiving their pensions.
The bench, led by Chief Justice Arun Bhansali and Justice Attau Rahman Masoodi, addressed this critical issue with empathy and pragmatism. They ordered that the verification of the petitioners’ identities should not hinge solely on the possession of mobile numbers or Aadhaar cards. Instead, the District Social Welfare Officer was instructed to explore other avenues to establish the genuineness of the petitioners.
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This directive not only paved the way for the 15 individuals to potentially regain their old-age pensions but also set a precedent for how similar cases should be handled in the future. The court’s decision reflects a move towards a more inclusive and flexible system where the rights of the elderly are protected, irrespective of their technological or financial status.
The Allahabad High Court’s ruling is a significant step towards ensuring that social welfare schemes are accessible to all, especially the elderly, who are often at risk of being left behind in the digital age. By acknowledging the challenges faced by those without access to modern technology or who cannot meet biometric verification standards, the court has highlighted the need for a more compassionate and adaptable approach to the administration of social benefits.
As the case progresses, with the next hearing scheduled for March 12, it will be crucial to monitor how this decision impacts not only the 15 petitioners but also the broader framework of social welfare policies in India.
