Owners of expensive cars like BMW are taking advantage of social pension scheme
The Kerala Finance Ministry scrutinized a beneficiary of the social security pension for the urban poor. At the same time, the report also revealed many shocking things. Reviews show that owners of expensive cars like BMWs are also taking advantage of the scheme. Apart from this, names of people living in air-conditioned houses and those who are financially strong have also been included in the list of beneficiaries.
The shocking news came out during a review conducted by the Kottakal Municipal Corporation in Malappuram district, official sources said on Friday. He told reporters that state Finance Minister KN Balagopal has since directed officials to conduct such audits across the state. In addition, instructions have been issued to remove such rich persons from the list of beneficiaries.
The revelation comes amid public outrage over reports that retired government employees defrauded their Social Security pensions. Nearly 1,500 retired government employees in Kerala, including gazetted officers and university professors, have been exposed for fraudulently obtaining social security pensions. Sources in the Ministry of Finance said that an assessment instruction has been given in this regard.
Survey of 42 beneficiaries found 38 ineligible
State Finance Minister KN Balagopal on Friday took a tough stance on the Kottakkal case and ordered a vigilance inquiry against the officials. This allegedly puts these wealthy people into the poor’s Social Security pension plan. “The finance minister has asked for a vigilance inquiry against officials who verify eligibility, tax officials who issue income certificates and those who approve pensions,” a source said.
The finance ministry also directed the administration to submit an immediate report on the actions taken. The investigation by the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Directorate of District 7 in Kottakal was preceded by a probe into the pension beneficiaries by the Malappuram Financial Audit Department. Sources said, “42 beneficiaries were screened and 38 of them were found ineligible and one of them has died.” According to officials, the audit revealed ineligible persons, including BMW car owners A shocking picture of receiving pension benefits.
“It has been reported that some pensioners live in houses equipped with facilities such as air conditioning,” an official said. Instances of spouses of pensioners who had worked in the government receiving welfare pensions were also found. The audit found that many ineligible beneficiaries lived in homes larger than 2,000 square feet. The Finance Ministry suspects corruption and collusion behind the large-scale inclusion of ineligible beneficiaries in single-ward pension lists.
1,458 government employees also availed the opportunity
The government has decided to check the eligibility of all social security pension beneficiaries in Kottakal city. After the incident came to light, local government departments were asked to give instructions to the city government. Earlier, a check conducted by the Kerala Information Mission revealed that 1,458 government employees are receiving social security pension in the state. The delegation has requested Finance Minister Balagopal to take strict action against the guilty officials.
The Government of Kerala has laid down strict eligibility criteria for various welfare pension schemes. This ensures that their benefits are only provided to those who truly deserve it. Among the general criteria for pension schemes, the annual family income of the applicant should be less than Rs 1 lakh. They should not own expensive vehicles and luxurious houses. Those who receive a second pension, pay income tax or live in a nursing home are also not eligible for pension scheme benefits.
