THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Hundreds of pensioners returned empty-handed as transactions in various treasuries in the state were suspended till noon yesterday due to a software glitch. A few received their pensions in the afternoon. Friday and Sunday were declared working days for the treasuries as part of the arrangements for receiving salaries and pensions before the elections.

Officials explain that the system has stopped working due to the increase in treasury transactions. But employees do not believe this. They ask how the software, which worked well on March 31, when most transactions took place, became inactive yesterday when there were not many transactions. Employees who are pro-LDF have expressed suspicion that the frequent software crashes are a conspiracy to tarnish the image of the government.