13 months since suspension of construction worker pension; ₹20,800 to be paid to each person; 3.24 lakh people to have poverty-stricken Onam

KOCHI: It has been 13 months since the monthly pension of Rs 1,600 to be paid to the members of the Construction Workers Welfare Board has been suspended. No action has been taken to distribute the pension even though Onam is near. Those who were hoping that it would be a relief during Onam if they were paid at least a percentage of the pension dues are disappointed.

Out of 20,23,402 members of the board, 3,24,580 are to get pension. Members are eligible for pension at the age of 60 years. Each member should receive 20,800 each as 13 months' arrears. Along with this, the members are due including marriage grants, maternity benefits, post-death-accidental death grants, educational grants and medical grants for in-patients.

This information is in an RTI response received by Raju Vazhakkala, a native of Ernakulam Kakkanad. Pro-government organizations are gearing up for a strike against the non-payment of at least half of the dues during Onam.

Cess defaulted, arrears increased

• The local bodies collect a percentage of the estimated amount as cess from the builders of new houses and pay it to the welfare board. This is to provide benefits including pension.
• However, the authorities say that the reason for the suspension of the pension is that the board did not receive it on time.
• 50 rupees per month is charged from the board members

Total Pension Due: 806 crores

Due in others: 52.63 crores

"The mismanagement of the officials is what led to the suspension of the pension

-Labour organizations