KSRTC pensioners left starving, Kerala government rules out pension revision

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state government has stated that KSRTC pensions cannot be increased. The Kerala High Court had directed the government to revise the pensions. However, the government rejected this directive, pointing out that an increase in pension would create an additional monthly liability of Rs 12 crore. The government has also issued an official order confirming the decision not to increase the pension.

The government said the corporation is presently going through a revenue loss and even its day-to-day expenses are in crisis. Pointing the price hike of essential commodities, pensioners have been demanding a pension increase for years. It is this demand that is being ignored.

Data reveals that there are presently around 43,000 pensioners in the Corporation. Pensions are still being distributed based on the 2011 rates. Although the time for revising the pension three times has passed, nothing has been done. The majority receives only a meager amount. They point out that this money is not even enough to buy medicines.

They also say that they often do not receive their pension on time. The main reason for the delay in pension is the delay by the finance department in sanctioning the funds. Even after the funds are sanctioned, pensions are often delayed due to the sluggishness of the officials. Recently, too, the pension was delayed in this manner. The pensioners are asking why they are being attacked against in this way, after having worked for the corporation for the best years of their lives.