Family-ID ‘deactivated without notice' in Haryana, denying elderly housing benefits; HHRC asks Govt to provide residential plot

Indian Express

04-08-2025

Taking note of a harrowing experience of a Panipat-based senior citizen, whose family identification card was allegedly deactivated by the district administration, the Haryana Human Rights Commission (HHRC) Monday slammed the state government.
Issuing notice to seven departments, HHRC also asked the Haryana Government to immediately provide a 100 square yard residential plot to the senior citizen or provide alternate housing support, if he is found eligible.
Dr Puneet Arora, Protocol, Information and Public Relations Officer, HHRC, stated, 'The Commission has taken the complaint of Shri Amar Singh Murwala very seriously. Seven departments have been issued notices, and specific timelines have been set for the submission of Action Taken Reports in relation to each issue raised.'
Murwala approached HHRC, claiming his Parivar Pehchan Patra (PPP) was arbitrarily deactivated, and he was denied housing assistance under government schemes, forcing him to live in inhuman and unsanitary living conditions in an old age home.
Expressing strong displeasure in the order over alleged administrative negligence and taking note of the man's plight, the HHRC's bench headed by Justice Lalit Batra, Chairperson of the Commission, issued notice to the commissioner and secretary (Citizen Resources Information Department); commissioner and secretary (Housing for All Department); deputy commissioner (Panipat); additional deputy commissioner (Panipat); commissioner (Municipal Corporation, Panipat); secretary (District Red Cross Society, Panipat) and manager of Old Age Home, Red Cross Society building, Ward No 11, Panipat.
'The complainant, a verified beneficiary under the Antyodaya category and a senior citizen, reported that his Parivar Pehchan Patra (Family ID No. 525M4911) was deactivated without any prior notice, inquiry, or opportunity to be heard. As a result, he was deprived of multiple welfare schemes, including Antyodaya Anna Yojana and Old Age Pension. Shri Murwala, who is landless, homeless, and socio-economically disadvantaged, further alleged that despite fulfilling eligibility criteria, he has not been allotted any accommodation or assistance under either the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana(PMAY) or Mukhyamantri Awas Yojana (MMAY). He continues to live without proper housing, despite repeated appeals to the authorities,' said the bench.
The bench pointed out that the complainant is living in the Old Age Home managed by the Red Cross Society. 'He has alleged that the living conditions at the facility are extremely unsanitary and unsafe, posing a risk to health and dignity'.
Terming the matter as a 'serious case of administrative failure and insensitivity', Justice Batra stated, 'The actions (or inactions) violate the complainant's right to live with dignity under Article 21 of the Constitution of India, and statutory duties under the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007'.
'Immediate verification and reactivation of the deactivated Family ID (PPP No. 525M4911); submission of a detailed report by the authorities, explaining the deactivation, steps taken for restoration, and future preventive measures; The Housing for All Department, Government of Haryana, must reassess the complainant's eligibility and, if found eligible, allot a 100 square yard residential plot or provide alternate housing support,' said Justice Batra.
Justice Batra also directed the commissioner, Municipal Corporation, Panipat, and the secretary, District Red Cross Society, to conduct a joint inspection of the Old Age Home facility, saying 'sanitation, pest control, and fogging must be completed within two weeks from the date of the order'.
Justice Batra also directed all departments concerned to submit Action Taken Reports (ATRs) to the Commission before the next hearing, scheduled for October 15, 2025.