Finally! Octogenarian Mariyakutty receives long-delayed welfare pension

IDUKKI: Finally, Mariyakutty received her long-delayed social welfare pension for one month on Tuesday. However, Mariya’s friend Annamma, who also took part in the unique protest, didn’t receive the pension. The widow's pension for the month of July announced by the government was handed over to Mariyakutty.

Mariyakutty said that only if CM Pinarayi Vijayan government's extravagance is stopped, welfare pension can be paid without delay. ‘” What is the use of getting this one month’s pension while the four-month welfare pension is delayed,” Mariya asked.

She said that the received amount wouldn’t even fit to pay her debts at the tea shop. She also reiterated about not going an inch back in protest against the government until all her debts are repaid.

Annamma is yet to receive a pension from the Reed Plant Labor Welfare Board. Expressing solidarity with their struggle, former MP and actor Suresh Gopi met both of them and announced that he would pay Rs 1600 to both of them for their lifetime from his MP pension. Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala also visited them offering help.