Thiruvananthapuram: In a significant move, the Kerala government issued a circular on Thursday directing local authorities to recover social security (welfare) pension funds that were distributed to ineligible recipients in the state. According to the circular, the amounts already drawn by ineligible individuals will be recovered along with an 18 per cent interest. Officials who facilitated the disbursement of pensions to these ineligible recipients will face departmental-level action.

The Finance Department's circular instructs the Directors of Panchayats and Municipalities to ensure strict implementation of the government's decision.

The action was initiated after a recent inspection revealed that nearly 1,500 government employees, including gazetted officers and college professors, were fraudulently receiving social security pensions. The fraud was uncovered during an inspection by the Information Kerala Mission. The decision also followed an audit by the state's Finance Department, which targeted pension beneficiaries in Kottakkal municipality. The audit found that some pension beneficiaries were owners of BMW cars and residents of air-conditioned homes.

The Kerala government has established strict eligibility criteria for welfare pension schemes to ensure they benefit only those truly in need. General eligibility criteria include a family income of less than Rs 1 lakh per year, and the absence of luxury assets such as high-capacity vehicles or large, modern homes. Additionally, individuals receiving multiple pensions, paying income tax, or residing in care homes are deemed ineligible. The Finance Minister has stated that stringent action will be taken against those committing fraud to obtain social security pensions intended for the poor.