Kerala Uncovers Pension Fraud Among 1,500 Govt Employees

The fraud was uncovered during inspections by the Information Kerala Mission, which oversees the digitalization and networking of local self-governance institutions in the state

Nearly 1,500 government employees in Kerala, including gazetted officers and college professors, have been found illegally receiving social security pensions. The discovery has led Finance Minister K N Balagopal to order strict disciplinary action, according to official sources.

The fraud was uncovered during inspections by the Information Kerala Mission, which oversees the digitalization and networking of local self-governance institutions in the state. The investigation revealed that social security pensions—intended for the poor and elderly—were being collected by government employees, including assistant professors and higher secondary school teachers.

The Finance Department has directed the recovery of the misappropriated pension amounts, including interest. Minister Balagopal also emphasized the need for stringent disciplinary measures against the offenders.

Kerala provides a monthly social security pension of ₹1,600 to around 62 lakh people. Among the accused are two assistant professors, one from a government college in Thiruvananthapuram and another from Palakkad. Additionally, three higher secondary teachers were found among the recipients.

The Health Department had the highest number of violators, with 373 beneficiaries receiving pensions unlawfully. This was followed by the Public Education Department with 224, the Medical Education Department with 124, and the Ayurveda Department (Indian System of Medicine) with 114 cases. Other departments involved include Animal Husbandry (74 cases), Public Works (47), Technical Education (46), Homeopathy (41), Agriculture and Revenue (35 each), Judiciary and Social Justice (34 each), Insurance Medical Services (31), and Collegiate Education (27).

The Finance Department plans to expand inspections to identify more ineligible recipients and ensure rightful pension disbursement. The government has vowed to take robust steps to rectify the misuse and safeguard the system for genuine beneficiaries.

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