Thiruvananthapuram, 17 July (H.S.):

Even as the Kerala government has created a dedicated department to address the needs of senior citizens, an 88-year-old pensioner from the state capital has appealed to the government to provide enhanced pension benefits for those aged above 80, in line with the Central government's policy.

M.J. Antony, a resident of Pattom, has submitted a representation to Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan urging the government to introduce age-linked additional pension for retired state employees. He argues that many pensioners are unaware that the Central government grants higher pension based on age, recognising the increasing financial burden of healthcare and personal care in old age.

Antony began campaigning for the demand along with his late friend and fellow pensioner K.M. Joseph. Following Joseph's death, he has continued the effort alone, saying the additional financial support is essential for thousands of elderly pensioners who struggle to meet rising medical and caregiving expenses.

Citing the Supreme Court's landmark judgment in D.S. Nakara vs Union of India, Antony said pension is not a charity but a right that enables retired employees to live with dignity. He also referred to the recommendations of the Fifth and Sixth Central Pay Commissions, which proposed higher pension benefits as retirees grow older. Under the Central government formula, pensioners receive an additional 20 per cent of their basic pension after attaining the age of 80, with the benefit increasing progressively to 100 per cent upon reaching 100 years of age. Antony pointed out that several states have adopted this model, but Kerala is yet to do so.

He noted that the 2009 Kerala Pay Revision Commission had recommended a smaller age-based increase, but the proposal was never implemented. He also recalled that the UDF had promised parity with the Central pension structure in its 2011 election manifesto, while successive governments later cited financial constraints for not implementing the proposal.

With a new UDF government now in office, Antony has urged the Chief Minister to honour the earlier commitment and ensure elderly pensioners receive the additional financial support needed to meet the growing costs of healthcare and assisted living in advanced age.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman