Bandipora: A group of widows and elderly women staged a silent protest against the Social Welfare Department over non-payment of their old age pensions for the past three months. The protesters said the delay has caused financial distress, making it difficult to meet daily needs. They appealed to authorities for the immediate release of pending pension amounts, noting that many depend entirely on the small monthly assistance for survival. The protest reflects a broader issue across the country, where pension disbursements to elderly citizens, widows, and differently-abled persons are frequently delayed or insufficient. Despite inflation and rising living costs, the central government’s pension scheme remains capped at ₹1,500 per month, leaving many beneficiaries struggling to make ends meet. Social activists have urged the government to streamline the disbursement process and revise pension amounts to ensure timely and adequate support for the vulnerable sections of society.