Pension Scam Probe Deepens in Shimla Panchayat, Beneficiaries and Officials Under Scanner
The alleged old-age pension scam in Tangnu-Janglikh Panchayat of Shimla’s Chhohara block has taken a more serious turn, with investigators now examining the role of both beneficiaries and government officials.
A case has been registered at Chirgaon Police Station after the District Welfare Officer filed a complaint. This followed a preliminary inquiry that reportedly uncovered suspicious documents linked to several pension beneficiaries, raising concerns about possible irregularities in the system.
Sources reveal that the names of 44 individuals suspected of illegally availing old-age pension benefits have been shared with the police. At the same time, investigators are also looking into whether officials involved in the verification and approval process may have played a role in the alleged scam.
The issue first came to light after a media report claimed that several individuals between the ages of 44 and 54 were receiving old-age pensions, even though the eligibility age is 60 years. Taking serious note of the matter, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu ordered a detailed inquiry.
Following the directive, the Social Welfare Department began scrutinising records and reportedly found multiple discrepancies. Based on these findings, the department approached the police to formally register a case.
Officials said that the investigation is still in progress and the police are yet to receive the complete set of records. The department is currently verifying documents and sharing relevant evidence with investigators. It is expected that within the next few days, more details will emerge and the list of accused may be expanded based on solid proof.
Meanwhile, the role of the Panchayat Secretary has also come under question. Sources suggest that there may have been lapses or negligence during the verification of documents at the Panchayat level, particularly where discrepancies between online and offline age records were allegedly overlooked.
Investigators are also probing claims that Family Register documents, which form the basis of pension applications, may have been tampered with. These documents are crucial, as they initiate the pension approval process before being verified by higher authorities.
According to preliminary findings, the 44 beneficiaries include 20 individuals from Tangnu village and 24 from Janglikh village, with 25 men and 19 women among them. Many of them are believed to have been receiving pensions since 2018–19, while others were reportedly added after 2021.
As the probe continues, authorities say strict action will be taken based on evidence, and accountability will be fixed not only for those who benefited illegally but also for any officials found responsible for lapses in the system.
