The finance department had uncovered that 1,458 government employees unlawfully claimed social security pensions, intended for the welfare of the poor.
Published Dec 29, 2024 | 12:52 PM ⚊ Updated Dec 29, 2024 | 12:52 PM
Money (Representational Image/Creative Commons)
Despite explicit directives from the Kerala government to recover funds misappropriated from the social security pensions by state government employees and initiate disciplinary proceedings, only 122 individuals have faced departmental action so far, sources said on Sunday, 29 December.
The finance department had uncovered that 1,458 government employees unlawfully claimed social security pensions, intended for the welfare of the poor.
Meanwhile, the sluggish responses of the departments concerned have sparked serious concerns among the public.
The state health department alone had identified 373 employees involved in the misuse of pensions. However, it is yet to enforce any suspensions or recover the funds, even though it was instructed to do so with an 18 percent interest rate.
The finance department had issued clear orders weeks ago, emphasising the need for immediate repayment and strict disciplinary measures against those found guilty.
The investigation, conducted by the Information Kerala Mission under the Finance Department’s supervision, revealed that 1,458 government employees, including assistant professors, clerks, wardens, and gazetted officers, were wrongfully receiving these welfare benefits.
Among the ineligible beneficiaries identified were two assistant professors — one from a government college in Thiruvananthapuram and another from Palakkad — along with three higher secondary school teachers.
These individuals, along with others across various government departments, were found to have illegally accessed the pensions, which were intended to support vulnerable families in need.
The highest number of misused pension claims was reported in the Health Department, with 373 employees implicated. The General Education Department followed with 224 employees receiving the benefits unlawfully.
Other departments with significant numbers of ineligible beneficiaries included:
The discovery has raised serious concerns over the management of welfare schemes intended to aid the poorest sections of society.
Authorities are now taking action to recover the misused funds and hold the responsible individuals accountable. Further investigations are underway to ensure that such irregularities are prevented in the future.
