Opposition leader asks to release details of fraudsters availing social security pension

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Opposition leader V D Satheesan demanded the government to release the full details of the government employees availing social security pension. He has given a letter to the chief minister and finance minister in this regard. The finding of government employees receiving social security pension is extremely grave. The letter said that if their details are not released, even honest officials will be under suspicion.

Full text of letter
The finding of 1458 government officials, including those in gazetted ranks, and the rich having luxury cars, in the list of social security pension recipients, is extremely serious. The report submitted by the Comptroller and Auditor General in September 2023 also found that undeserving people are included in the social security pension list, which is the right of the poor people. The government had informed the CAG in May 2022 that remedial measures would be taken soon. It is surprising that no action has been taken yet.

The fraud could have been detected by comparing the government's salary software Spark and the social security pension software Sevana. The government wasted two valuable years. The full details of those receiving social security pensions while in service should be released. Otherwise, even honest officials will be under suspicion.

The irregularities that have been exposed should not affect the distribution of social security pensions. Pension arrears should be distributed immediately. There should not be a situation where all employees are insulted because a few of them receive undeserved pensions. Their legitimate rights should not be denied on this account. The CAG report has pointed out serious shortcomings in the software used for the distribution of welfare pensions. It is demanded that immediate action be taken to resolve this.

The chief minister had the other day said that strict action will be taken against the government employees who have been availing the pension. The employees will be made to return the money with interest. It was also directed that face mustering of beneficiaries should be made mandatory to prevent fraud in the future. A high-level meeting was convened after summoning Finance Minister K N Balagopal and Local Government Minister M B Rajesh.