Now Reading: Kerala UDF move to end doorstep pension delivery sparks row
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Kerala UDF move to end doorstep pension delivery sparks row
The Congress-led UDF government in Kerala has decided to end doorstep delivery of welfare pensions and switch fully to Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), drawing immediate backlash from the LDF opposition. At present,…
The Story in Brief
The Congress-led UDF government in Kerala has decided to end doorstep delivery of welfare pensions and switch fully to Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), drawing immediate backlash from the LDF opposition. At present, over 23 lakh of roughly 60 lakh pensioners receive Rs 2,000 monthly through doorstep delivery via cooperative societies.
The government cites a KSSPL recommendation, citing delays, ineligible payments, and Rs 434.89 crore spent on delivery incentives. The LDF calls the move anti-senior and baseless, noting that 8.4 lakh pensioners already get central assistance via DBT. The CAG had flagged fraud in the doorstep system in 2023. The controversy coincides with Chief Minister Satheesan's plans for a 'silver economy' policy.
The Indian Opinion
The UDF government’s sudden order to shift entirely to DBT feels like a solution in search of a problem, or a political point. The LDF, which introduced doorstep delivery, is now defending it as a senior-friendly system. Both sides ignore the CAG’s 2023 report on fraud and the Rs 434.89 crore spent on delivery incentives. The real test: Can Kerala design a hybrid model that uses its robust cooperative network but cuts leakage and ensures every elderly person can access a bank? That number, 23 lakh DTH recipients, will tell us if the state can shift without leaving anyone behind.
Source: thehindu.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
