Kerala health dept names officials in welfare pension embezzlement, orders recovery with interest

Thiruvananthapuram:  The Health Department has released a list of 373 officials accused of embezzling funds from welfare pension, ordering the recovery of the stolen amounts with an additional 18% interest. The Additional Chief Secretary has also launched departmental disciplinary actions against those involved.

Authorities revealed that 1,400 individuals across various government departments had illegally received welfare pensions during the first phase of the investigation. While lists of those implicated are being published gradually, critics have questioned the delay and accused the government of protecting the culprits. Opposition groups have demanded the immediate dismissal of the employees from government service.

The Health Department accounts for the largest share of the accused, with employees across various levels named. The directive to recover the funds, including interest, has raised questions about whether further actions, such as termination, will follow.

Other departments implicated in the scam are expected to release their lists soon. Earlier, officials from the Soil Conservation Department faced disciplinary measures for similar misconduct.