Retired Sports Authority of Telangana Staff Struggle Without Pensions for Three Months
Hyderabad: For over three months now, retired employees of the Sports Authority of Telangana (SATG) have been living in uncertainty and financial distress, as their monthly pensions have not been disbursed. Despite multiple appeals to the concerned authorities, their pleas continue to go unanswered.
Even the regular staff are reportedly facing delayed salary payments each month, painting a grim picture of the financial management within the organisation.
Around 150 retired employees, who dedicated their lives to the development of sports in the state, now find themselves in a state of neglect. With no other source of income, these pensions are their only means of survival. The situation is all the more disheartening considering the commitment shown by these individuals during their service years.
“This is not the kind of situation we imagined in a state led by a Chief Minister who has always championed sports,” said R. Janardhan Reddy, Chairman of the SATG Retired Employees Association. A veteran coach and respected figure in the sports community, the 74-year-old expressed deep disappointment at the government’s inaction.
“It’s been three months since we received our last pension. This is inhuman. How are retirees supposed to pay EMIs, rent, utility bills, or even afford basic groceries and medical care?” he questioned.
Janardhan Reddy also dismissed claims that the State is short on funds. “When in-service employees are still receiving salaries and government schemes are being funded, why is there a delay in releasing our pensions?” he asked.
Sources within the SATG say that while pension cheques are being forwarded to the Finance Department, they are not being cleared due to a shortage of funds. Alarmingly, several retired employees have not received their regular pension benefits post-retirement for nearly two years, with only provident fund amounts being disbursed so far.
“There is evident mismanagement in crucial areas such as finance, administration, and human resources. But it’s deeply unfair that retired employees are bearing the brunt of these systemic failures,” Janardhan Reddy added, pointing out that SATG is a government-aided institution and should uphold its responsibilities.
