Former minister Harish Rao expressed strong resentment over the deduction of old-age pensions to cover pending property taxes in Mancherial district, terming it inhumane and unjust. Harish criticized the practice of halting pensions meant for elderly individuals when their family members fail to pay property taxes.
“It is cruel and unfair to deduct pensions from the elderly for unpaid property taxes by their sons. Such decisions by the government and officials are tearing families apart,” Harish Rao said, adding that it is unreasonable to expect elderly people to sustain themselves if even their small pension amount is redirected.
He slammed the Congress government for failing to fulfill its promise of providing Rs. 4,000 per month as pension and instead resorting to taking away the current Rs. 2,000 pensions under the guise of property tax dues.
“This is a disgraceful act and a betrayal of the people. On one hand, beneficiaries are being excluded, and on the other, the little pension amount they receive is being seized,” he remarked.
Referring to incidents in Nannuru village under Hajipur mandal of Mancherial district, Harish Rao highlighted that 15 elderly people had been denied their pensions due to pending property taxes. He demanded the immediate release of their pensions and urged the government to ensure that pensions are not withheld for reasons such as tax arrears.
“The government must stop this inhumane practice and take immediate action to restore pensions to these individuals. It is deplorable to target the most vulnerable sections of society to cover up administrative lapses,” Harish Rao said.
He called on the Chief Minister and government officials to address this issue promptly, ensuring that pensions are distributed without any unjust deductions.