KOCHI: The state government told the High Court that when and how much welfare pension is to be disbursed is a policy decision of the government and that the government is making sincere efforts to disburse it on time despite the financial constraints. Unlike statutory and gratuity pensions, social security pension is not a right of the people. It is the help given by the government to the weaker section. So the government can decide how to distribute it.

The explanation is in the counter affidavit given by the Finance Department Under Secretary Jose V Petta regarding the case related to Joseph's suicide due to the suspension of pension. Central allocation for welfare pensions is low. Despite constant requests, the Centre has sanctioned only the allocation till June 2023. It was also clarified that 602.14 crore, which was due till then, was handed over by the Centre in October.

The government had informed the court on Monday that it has taken steps to distribute the pension in two instalments. The petitions will be heard on June 10. Petitioners include Adv AA Shaibi. There is also a Suo Motu case by the court.

900 crores expense

• The affidavit also states that the Centre allocation is only for 7 lakh BPL beneficiaries. The state provides old-age, widow and disability pensions to more than 41 lakh people.
• 900 crore monthly expenditure. 90 crores more should be found for welfare fund pensions. The monthly pension per person is Rs 1600, of which the central contribution is a maximum of Rs 500
• The central fund comes to the panchayat director. It is received when reimbursement is sought for the disbursed amount and application for the next installment is also made. It takes many reminders to get central funds