Pension crisis: 62,000 people denied social security pension due to lapses on part of central government

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: It is alleged that 62,000 people in the state did not receive their social security pensions due to the central government's failure.

The disbursement of centrally assisted pensions was shifted to the Central Government-controlled Public Finance Management System starting from April of last year, ensuring direct transfers to beneficiaries' accounts. However, despite the consolidation of the social security pension amount to Rs 1600 in the state, the central government did not permit direct state payments. Consequently, a system was implemented to deposit the state's share into the public finance management system.

Nonetheless, allegations persist that the central government is creating a crisis in pension distribution, citing irregularities in monthly receipts. Although the state government transferred the amount on the 15th of last month, 1.94 lakh beneficiaries did not receive their pensions. The center stated that the amount was distributed after the state lodged a complaint, yet 62,000 people are still awaiting their pensions. Out of the five existing social security pensions in the state, 6.8 lakh individuals receive central assistance at rates of Rs 200, Rs 300 and Rs 500 for three categories: old age pension, widow pension, and disability pension.