Idukki: Large number of senior citizens landed in trouble as mustering process to access their pension was interrupted due to failure of biometric authentication system. It is reported that the process was not completed as their biometric details including iris and fingerprint were not captured successfully. Following this, their monthly pension of Rs 1500 was blocked by the authority.

“The government pension is my only income. I have no idea about how I will live, if the pension is denied,” says Marayoor native Sarojini who has been receiving widow pension since 16 years.

Sarojini also arrived at the Akshaya centre to complete mustering procedure for pension. But the officials informed her that her iris and fingerprint were not getting captured on the system.

“I went for mustering after waiting for a week. But unfortunately, the process failed,” said Sarojini.

The pension was a great relief to Sarojini Amma who belongs to economically backward class.

Marayoor panchayat president N Aarogyadas informed that 25 people were denied of pension due to the failure in biometric authentication during mustering.

“A detailed report attached with the life certificate of the 25 people will be submitted to the district collector,” said panchayat president.

At the same time, Idukki district collector asserted that immediate action will be taken to resolve the issue.

“Panchayat authorities were asked to submit the details of the people who failed in biometric authentication. Each panchayat has to certify the details of these people. Once the details are received, immediate action will be taken to speed up the action to assure pension to all,” said district collector H Dinesh.