NIZAMABAD: Encashing the anguish of pension beneficiaries, some middlemen in Nizamabad are making money, promising to sanction their pension at the earliest.

Out of 3.50 lakh applicants in the district, only 2.06 lakh persons have received their pensions. The eligible applicants are now running from pillars to post to get their names enrolled.

Using this opportunity, the touts, allegedly backed by some TRS leaders, are collecting Rs 1,000 to Rs 3,000 from the old, disabled and the widows. Even for filling up the forms, some touts are charging Rs 50 to Rs 100.

On Monday, hundreds of applicants protested in front of the district collectorate. To meet the huge rush of pension complainants, the district administration has even set up a separate counter.

Dismissing the apprehension of the genuine beneficiaries, project director of Indira Kranthi Patham P. Venkatesham said, “There is no need to worry. We will sanction pensions to all the eligible persons.”

On the touts making brisk business out of the situation, Mr Venkatesham said, “Pension applicants should not give money to anyone in this regard and stringent action will be initiated against middlemen.”

Nagabushanam, a resident of Kamareddy said though his father is eligible for pension, some local leaders are asking for bribe to get his name enlisted.