From Daijiworld's special correspondent

Panaji, Apr 9: Nearly 20,000 needy senior citizens are awaiting the week-old state bank of India (SBI) strike to end as their pensions are held up with the bank employees striking the work.

These senior citizens earn Rs 750 per month under Dayanand social security scheme (DSSS) under Goa government's social welfare department.

"SBI is the nodal agency which clears the cheque and the strike has held back all the cheques to be distributed under DSSS," confirmed social welfare minister Subhash Shirodkar.

The state government funded DSSS scheme covers around 20,000 needy senior citizens who are paid monthly pension of Rs 750.
 
Besides SBI, Goa State Cooperative Bank and Mapusa Urban Cooperative Banks are distributing pension under this scheme. But SBI being a nodal bank, these banks are also rendered helpless, Shirodkar disclosed.

The state government has fixed a meeting with these banks on Monday to discuss the situation, Shirodkar said.
 
The minister stated that it is not possible for the government to hand over cash to the senior citizens. "We are trying to work out via media solution for the crisis, which may come after Monday's meeting," Shirodkar added.