Hyderabad, May 10 — The Telangana High Court has raised serious concerns over growing delays in disbursing retirement benefits to government employees, warning that such lapses risk undermining both public trust and workforce morale.
The court was hearing a petition filed by A. Narender Reddy, a retired assistant engineer, who has been waiting for his retirement dues—gratuity and other post-service benefits—for over six months. Despite having his bills approved and a payment token issued, the funds had not been released.
Justice Nagesh Bhimapaka didn’t mince words. “These are not acts of charity. These payments are rightful earnings, built up over years of disciplined, dedicated service,” he said, stressing that retirement benefits are often earmarked for crucial family needs—education, healthcare, and security.
Reddy’s counsel cited Section 3 of the Gratuity Act, arguing that any delay in payment should carry interest. The government, in response, claimed that a shortage of funds was the reason for the hold-up and that payments were being released in serial order.
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Justice Bhimapaka directed the government to release Reddy’s benefits within two and a half months—but not before addressing the deeper issue. He flagged the alarming rise in similar petitions, calling them a symptom of misaligned financial priorities.
Freebies vs. Fundamental Duties
Petitioners highlighted a trend: while the state generously funds welfare schemes—free electricity, water, transport, and loan waivers—core obligations like employee dues are being pushed down the queue.
The court acknowledged that welfare measures fall under legislative policy and are generally not subject to judicial review. However, it echoed the Supreme Court’s concerns about the long-term impact of unchecked populism, especially when schemes are launched without sustainable financial planning.
“It’s time for society to rethink our approach to freebies,” Justice Bhimapaka remarked. “When they come at the cost of fundamental obligations like retirement payments, we need to ask hard questions.”
A Wake-Up Call for Governance
The court’s remarks are a reminder that economic governance isn’t just about balancing books—it’s about honouring commitments. Public servants fuel the machinery of the state. Denying them timely access to their own savings, the court noted, causes real-world distress and sows dissatisfaction across the system.
As India debates the future of welfare and fiscal responsibility, the Telangana High Court has made one thing clear: rewarding long service with silence is not an option.
