Govt reluctant to launch widespread investigation into welfare pension fraud, asks those involved to voluntarily withdraw from fraud

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The government is reluctant to launch a widespread investigation into welfare pension fraud, where the monthly social security pension of Rs 1600, meant for the poor, is being siphoned off by government employees, service pensioners, and even affluent individuals in society.

Though a vigilance inquiry has been ordered against those responsible for the fraud in Kottakkal municipality, where significant irregularities were uncovered, the investigation has been limited to that municipality alone.

Apart from issuing a general directive to local bodies across the state to conduct further scrutiny of those receiving social pensions through banks, the government appears uninterested in pursuing other actions.

The government has merely appealed to those misappropriating the benefits to voluntarily withdraw from the fraud, signalling that strict actions are unlikely.

Meanwhile, Vigilance Director Yogesh Gupta has submitted a report to the Chief Minister recommending a statewide investigation and proposing action against corruption and financial crimes. The report also suggested confiscating the assets of the involved officials.

A probe conducted by the intelligence wing of the Vigilance Department revealed that government employees were misappropriating welfare pensions in all districts.

An investigation conducted by Information Kerala Mission had uncovered that 1,458 government employees were fraudulently drawing social security pensions. Last year, the CAG had submitted a report stating that social security pensions were ‘irregularly disbursed’ to 9,201 service pensioners and government employees.

Why is the government reluctant to launch a strong investigation?
1. Applications received in local bodies on the recommendation of ward members are considered for social welfare pension. Leaders and parties will also get into trouble for conniving for the fraud
2. Pension is siphoned off by those who applied while unemployed, joined the service temporarily through political influence and got regularised using the same influence. The party and the government will also come under fire.