A shocking revelation has come to light in Kerala, where 1,458 government employees have been found to be drawing social security pensions illegally. The finance department uncovered the scam, which involves employees receiving pensions meant for disabled individuals, unmarried persons, and widows, despite being employed and above 60 years old.

Finance Minister K N Balagopal has ordered strict disciplinary action against the erring employees, and the government will recover the ill-gotten money with interest. The health department has the highest number of illegal beneficiaries, with 373 employees involved. Two assistant professors and three higher secondary teachers are also among those found to be receiving pensions illegally.

The Information Kerala Mission identified the illegal beneficiaries based on instructions from the finance department. The department will continue to investigate to ascertain whether there are more ineligible people receiving pensions. This move comes in the wake of a rise in social security pension scheme applicants.