Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government has decided to cancel social security pensions fraudulently obtained by ineligible individuals. The move follows an inspection revealing that around 1,500 government employees, including gazetted officers and college professors, were unlawfully drawing these pensions.

In a circular issued by the state Finance Department, the government ordered the recovery of funds from ineligible recipients, along with an 18 per cent interest charge. Additionally, departmental action will be taken against officials who facilitated such fraudulent claims.

The Kerala government enforces strict eligibility criteria for welfare pensions, requiring an annual family income below Rs 1 lakh and barring ownership of luxury assets such as high-capacity vehicles or air-conditioned homes. The fraud was uncovered by the Information Kerala Mission, which inspects local self-government institutions, and an audit by the Finance Department.

High-profile violations exposed
The audit uncovered cases where luxury car owners and residents of modern homes were beneficiaries. Finance Minister K N Balagopal vowed to take stringent action against fraudsters exploiting schemes meant for the underprivileged.

Strict implementation measures ordered
The Directors of Panchayats and Municipalities have been instructed to ensure compliance with the government’s decision. The crackdown reflects a larger effort to protect welfare resources for deserving citizens.

With PTI inputs