Retired Kothagudem Employee Battles Health Crisis Amid Delayed Pension and Retirement Benefits

Kambhampati Srinivasa Rao, a former superintendent at the Kothagudem Government ITI, retired on March 31, 2025. Despite completing his service, he has yet to receive several pending retirement benefits.

These include his General Provident Fund (GPF), Pay Revision Commission (PRC 2020) arrears, 300 days of Earned Leave (EL) encashment, Dearness Allowance (DA) arrears, and the EL surrendered in 2024. The delayed payments have left him facing severe financial uncertainty.

Rao is currently hospitalized due to heart-related complications. He has suffered two heart strokes and requires a stent procedure to manage his condition.

In addition, he has undergone surgery for an L4-L5 vertebral issue. The delays in his retirement benefits have compounded his challenges, as he also manages personal expenses including his child’s upcoming marriage, house construction, and his wife’s knee treatment.

The combination of medical and financial pressures has made his situation extremely urgent.

Rao has appealed directly to Telangana government officials, as well as leaders of the Joint Action Committee (JAC) and fellow retired employees, requesting an expedited release of his pending retirement benefits. He stressed that the delay has left him in a state of extreme distress, both financially and emotionally, and that swift action could significantly ease his burdens.

Heart disease and stroke remain leading causes of death worldwide, often resulting from the narrowing or blockage of blood vessels due to fatty deposits. While coronary heart disease affects the heart, strokes occur when blood flow to the brain is disrupted.

Key risk factors include smoking, poor diet, physical inactivity, high blood pressure, and stress. Regular health check-ups and proactive lifestyle changes such as a balanced diet, consistent exercise, and effective stress management are essential to reduce the risk and protect cardiovascular health. ¹

Many retirees face delays in receiving their pension, leading to financial stress in post-retirement life. To address this, the Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare (DoP&PW) has issued comprehensive guidelines to ensure the timely payment of retirement dues for Central Government employees.

Under the new measures, Pension Payment Orders (PPOs), including e-PPOs, must be issued at least two months before retirement, supported by fully digitized service records through e-HRMS and the Employee Payroll System for CAPF personnel.

Each department will appoint Pension Welfare Officers to assist retirees and their families with documentation, form submissions, and family pension claims. Importantly, pending vigilance clearances will not delay pension disbursement, ensuring smoother, faster access to benefits and strengthening the overall retiree support system. ²

References:

1. Better Health Channel. "Heart Disease and Stroke." Last modified August 22, 2022. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/heart-disease-and-stroke.

(Rh/Eth/ARC/MSM)