Thiruvananthapuram: Finance Minister KN Balagopal clarified that there won’t be an increase in the pension amount, but efforts will be made to settle pension arrears. Despite the existing backlog of pension arrears, the minister stated that Kerala is a state that efficiently delivers pension services. In the budget speech, the minister announced plans to ensure timely disbursement of welfare and social security pensions next year.
Additionally, the minister stated the intention to review the Contributory Pension Scheme, with the establishment of a special committee for this purpose. He revealed plans to implement a new pension scheme for government employees.
The Finance Minister reiterated his stance blaming the Centre for delays in welfare pension distribution. This assertion follows the Centre’s report to the Supreme Court, labeling Kerala’s Finance Department as the worst in the country, prompting the Finance Minister’s criticism of the Centre.
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