Kerala welfare pension to hit ₹3000 soon; criteria overhaul under consideration: CM

Thiruvananthapuram: Chief Minister V D Satheesan announced in the Legislative Assembly that the UDF’s promise to increase the welfare pension to ₹3,000 will be implemented without delay. He stated that the government is seriously considering a revision of the eligibility criteria to ensure that the welfare pension reaches those who truly deserve it. The Chief Minister made these remarks during the question-and-answer hour in the Assembly.

Satheesan announced that this month's welfare pension distribution will commence on June 24, emphasising the UDF government's commitment to ensuring uninterrupted pension payouts. He noted that the pledge to increase the pension to ₹3,000 would not mirror the approach taken by the previous LDF administration.

"The UDF’s promise to raise the welfare pension to ₹3,000 will not be like the LDF's promises. The LDF had promised to raise it to ₹2,500. However, they only added ₹100 to the existing ₹1,500 toward the very end of the first LDF government's tenure. It was increased to ₹2,000 just as the second LDF government's term was drawing to a close. The UDF will not cause such delays," Satheesan said.

The Chief Minister also acknowledged widespread complaints regarding the current criteria—such as the denial of pensions to households simply for owning an air conditioner. He assured the Assembly that these grievances would be looked into.Furthermore, he pointed out that some ineligible individuals are currently benefiting from the scheme. To address this, the government is seriously planning a new mechanism designed to include all eligible individuals while weeding out those who do not qualify.