{
  "id": 17433627,
  "title": "Octogenarian’s fresh plea for additional pension",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/31/octogenarians-fresh-plea-for-additional-pension",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-31T16:51:32.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Hindu",
    "slug": "the-hindu",
    "url": "https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/octogenarians-fresh-plea-for-additional-pension/article71650170.ece"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "An 88-year-old pensioner from Pattom in Kerala's capital city has once again approached the government, demanding that State pensioners above the age of 80 be granted additional pension at rates equivalent to those paid to Central government employees. M.J. Antony met with the Chief Minister in July to discuss this matter, but his request was denied by the Finance department's Pension Welfare Cell, citing the current financial situation.\n\nMr. Antony and P. Balakrishna Pillai, a former general secretary of the KSEB Pensioners' Association, have now appealed for a reconsideration of the government's decision. They argue that the VIth Central Pay Commission had recommended additional pensions, starting from 20% of the basic pension for those reaching 80 years old, and increasing up to 100% for those reaching 100 years. Other states had already sanctioned this additional pension at Central rates, but Keralam has ignored the demand for the past 17 years.\n\nFurthermore, the 2009 Kerala Pay Revision Commission had only recommended a 5% increase at 80 years old, rising to 50% at 100 years, but this proposal was also rejected by the State government. The 2019 Kerala Pay Revision Commission suggested only a monthly 'special care allowance' of ₹1,000 for pensioners turning 80, rather than the additional pension at Central rates.\n\nThe Supreme Court had ruled in D.S. Nakara vs. Union of India that pension is a socio-economic justice measure providing relief in advancing age, and not a bounty but a right to a dignified life in old age. The State governments have incurred significant expenditures for various requirements, yet they have neglected the 20,000-odd State service pensioners who are aged 80 and above. Mr. Antony believes that the governments in Kerala are finding excuses to deny their claims and hopes that his petition to the Department of Senior Citizens Secretary will be considered favorably by the Chief Minister.",
  "summary": "The Finance department’s Pension Welfare Cell had denied 88-year-old M.J. Antony’s request, citing the current financial situation of the State",
  "key_points": [
    "88-year-old pensioner M.J. Antony seeks additional pension for Kerala state retirees above 80.",
    "VIth Central Pay Commission recommended higher pensions for those reaching 80-100 years.",
    "Supreme Court ruled pension as socio-economic justice, not bounty."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}