Thiruvananthapuram: State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has directed treasury authorities to ensure that elderly citizens, particularly those with ailments, can complete transactions at govt treasuries without delay.Commission chairperson Justice Alexander Thomas instructed the district treasury officer, Thiruvananthapuram, to issue directions to all the officials to treat the senior citizens with dignity and provide them with prompt assistance.The directive came while considering a complaint filed by S K Seema, a resident of Gurudev Nagar, Pallichal, alleging that her ailing mother was subjected to physical and mental distress when she visited Neyyattinkara pension payment sub-treasury on Aug 29, 2024, to collect her family pension.According to the complaint, the elderly woman, who had undergone spinal surgery and was suffering from severe pain, was allegedly compelled by a treasury official to walk to the cash counter instead of providing assistance.During the proceedings, the district treasury official informed the commission that the complainant no longer wished to pursue the case. Instead, she requested that appropriate measures be taken to ensure that the elderly people, especially those with disabilities, visiting treasuries receive timely service.Taking note of the submission, the commission directed the district treasury officer to issue instructions to the staff to prioritise transactions involving elderly persons in distress and to ensure that they are treated with courtesy and respect.
