Ernakulam: The Pinarayi government has made a significant declaration to the High Court, asserting that a welfare pension is not a right but rather a gesture of generosity bestowed by the government. In response to a case regarding the halt in welfare pension distribution, the government clarified its stance, emphasizing that a welfare pension cannot be deemed a legal entitlement.
According to the government’s affidavit submitted to the High Court, the disbursement of welfare pensions is solely at the discretion of the government and is not mandated by law. The affidavit underscores that a welfare pension is offered as assistance and should not be construed as a statutory pension prescribed by law.
The government’s response comes in the wake of mounting concerns over the halt in distributing the welfare pension, leading to a tragic incident where an individual named Joseph took his own life. After this incident, the High Court intervened, taking up the case on its own initiative. Presently, pension arrears extend beyond six months.
Comments