Centre denies claims on pension cuts, says no such proposal

New Delhi: There is no proposal for reduction of pension and no action is being contemplated by the government in this respect, the Centre said on Sunday.

The assertion assumes significance as rumours are afloat that the government is contemplating reduction or stoppage of pension.

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It has come to the notice of the Department of Pensions and Pensioners' Welfare (DoPPW) that, in the wake of the current pandemic COVID-19 and the ensuing economic scenario, many rumours are afloat that the government is contemplating a reduction or stoppage of pension which has become a source of worry for the pensioners, the government said in a communique.

"As clarified earlier, it is being reiterated that there is no such proposal for reduction of pension and no action is contemplated by the government in this respect. Instead, the government is committed for the welfare and well being of the pensioners," the communique issued by the DoPPW said.

"It is being reported that a 20 per cent cut in central government pensions is being planned. This news is FALSE. There will be no cut in pension disbursements," said a Finance Ministry tweet.

"It is clarified that salaries and pensions will not be affected by the Government Cash Management instructions," it added.

It is being reported that a 20% cut in Central Government Pensions is being planned.This news is FALSE. There will be no cut in pension disbursements. It is clarified that salaries and pensions will not be affected by Government Cash Management instructions.@PIBFactCheck https://t.co/hlZpnbxnJx

— Ministry of Finance ?? #StayHome #StaySafe (@FinMinIndia) April 19, 2020

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also shared the ministry's tweet. Earlier in the day, a concerned social media user tweeted regarding the reports on reduction in pensions.

Replying to the tweet, Sitharaman said: "Thanks for approaching for a clarification. There is no cut in pensions."

Thanks for approaching seeking a clarification.
There is no cut in pension.

— Nirmala Sitharaman (@nsitharaman) April 19, 2020

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Govt has neither held any discussion nor considered cutting the pension of senior citizens. Also, under PM Modi, govt can never take such an insensitive step of transferring the pension money of people above 80 years of age to COVID fund, said Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh.

Govt has neither held any discussion nor considered cutting the pension of senior citizens. Also, under PM Modi, govt can never take such an insensitive step of transferring the pension money of people above 80 years of age to #COVID fund: Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh https://t.co/c7QWIvQ5U0 pic.twitter.com/EfOYEypPrT

— ANI (@ANI) April 19, 2020

There are 65.26 lakh central government pensioners.

(With Agency Inputs)