Irregularities in Kerala’s social welfare pension scheme, rich and government employees also took advantage
The social welfare pension scheme in Kerala, which is specially designed for the economically weaker section of the society, has now become a topic of discussion. Under this scheme, a pension of Rs 1600 is given every month to the poor and weaker sections. But recently a report has come out, according to which the benefits of this scheme are reaching even those people whose financial condition is good. This list also includes people with BMW cars and people living in big bungalows, who are availing the benefits of this pension scheme wrongly.
People with BMW and expensive houses are beneficiaries of pension.
An audit conducted in Kottakkal Municipality in Malappuram district found several irregularities in the social welfare pension scheme. According to reports, some pension beneficiaries own expensive cars like BMW and live in big houses with air conditioners. This scheme is only for those people who are financially weak, but in this many people are claiming such properties and luxury facilities which a poor class person cannot have.
Names of government employees also surfaced
Kerala Finance Minister KN Bal Gopal reacted to the report and said that names of government employees have also been found in the list of pension beneficiaries. These employees have received pension amount illegally. The minister also said that the entire pension amount will be recovered from these people and strict action will be taken against all the officers involved in this corruption. The LDF government has ordered a speedy investigation into this matter.
Suspicion of corruption in pension scheme
The audit report also revealed that there are some beneficiaries who have died long ago, yet their names remain in the pension list. Moreover, many beneficiaries live in houses larger than 2,000 square feet, which is quite unusual for beneficiaries of this scheme. During investigation, it also came to light that most of the wrong beneficiaries are included in the pension list in the same ward, raising suspicion that there could be collusion of officials in this.
Objectives of the plan and future steps
Under the Social Welfare Pension Scheme, the Government of Kerala provides a monthly pension of Rs 1600 to provide assistance to the economically weak and old people. The scheme aims to benefit senior citizens above 60 years of age and unmarried women above 50 years of age. But now, after the misuse and corruption of this scheme has come to light, the state government has decided to seriously investigate the issue. This entire incident has again raised questions related to corruption in the state, and strict action is being expected to resolve it.
