GUWAHATI | The Assam government has introduced a penalty of Rs 250 per day for officials responsible for unjustified delays in processing pension cases, with the maximum penalty capped at Rs 5,000. The move is aimed at strengthening accountability in the pension process and ensuring that retired government employees receive their dues within the stipulated timeframe.

Under the new provision, officials found responsible for undue delays will face a daily penalty, which can be recovered directly from their salaries. The measure is intended to discourage unnecessary administrative delays and improve transparency in pension processing.

The government has reiterated that timely pension payment is a rightful entitlement of retired employees and not a discretionary benefit. The initiative, announced under the Himanta Biswa Sarma-led government, seeks to make officials more accountable while reducing the financial and administrative hardships faced by pensioners awaiting their legitimate dues.

The government has emphasised the principle that “Pension is a right, not a favour”, linking the penalty mechanism to efforts to improve administrative efficiency and timely delivery of retirement benefits.