Octogenarian petitions CM for additional pension
An 88-year-old pensioner in Kerala is petitioning the Chief Minister to increase pension rates for state retirees over 80 to match Central government standards. He argues that pension is a right to dignified life and that older pensioners require more financial support for health needs.
Why it matters
The case highlights the gap between state and central government welfare policies and the growing economic challenges faced by an aging population.
Even as the State government has formed a new department to address mobility, health care, and other challenges faced by the elderly in a rapidly ageing Kerala, an octogenarian in the State capital is on a mission to get additional pension sanctioned for State government pensioners above the age of 80 at Central government rates.
M.J. Antony, an 88-year-old pensioner from Pattom, has approached the Chief Minister seeking the grant of additional pension for all State government pensioners above the age of 80, as paid to retired Central government employees.
Mr. Antony says not many people are aware of additional pension. He had been accompanied on his endeavour by another pensioner K.M. Joseph till the latter’s death. Now, Mr. Antony battles on, seeking greater financial support for his hospital visits and that of a few thousand State government pensioners who are above 80 and living in difficult circumstances.
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