After 34 years, 85-year-old widow receives husband's retirement benefits

The Mayor handed over the amount to the widow at a grievances day meeting

Her efforts bore fruit after 34 years as an emotional Fathima Beevi received her deceased husband's old age pension of Rs 6.90 lakh here today.

Fathima Beevi's husband S Abdul Sukkur, a filter bed operator, died on March 25, 1976 and she applied for his retirement benefits, Salem Municipal Corporation Mayor S.Soundappan said, adding the benefits were calculated from April one, 1979 to October 31 last.

It was sympathetically taken up and the amount handed over to the 85-year-old widow by the Mayor at a grievances day meeting.

The cheque was handed over to her after verifying the records, the Mayor, who is from ruling AIADMK, said.

Fathima Beevi's grand-daughter accompanied her.

She had earlier given representations urging authorities to look into her demand and expedite the benefits.