An octogenarian is asking the CM for a supplementary pension

Even as the state government has created a new department to address mobility, healthcare and other issues faced by senior citizens in rapidly aging Kerala, an octogenarian in the state capital is tasked with getting additional pension for state government pensioners above 80 years at central government rates.

MJ Antony, an 88-year-old pensioner from Pattom, appealed to the Chief Minister to grant additional pension to all state government pensioners above 80 years of age, paid to pensioners of central government employees.

Mr Antony says not many people know about supplementary pension. Another pensioner, KM Joseph, accompanied him in his endeavors until his death. Now Mr Antony is fighting on, seeking more financial support for his hospital visits and for several thousand state government pensioners who are over 80 and living in difficult circumstances.

He points out that the Supreme Court in DS Nakara vs. The Union of India has held that pension is a socio-economic justice measure providing relief in advancing age. It was not a reward, but the right to a dignified life in old age.

V. Central Wage Commission found that pension is a legal, inalienable and legally enforceable right, while VI. the central pay commission noted that older pensioners need more support as their health needs increase with age. The commission recommended supplementary pensions starting at 20% of the basic pension for those who reach the age of 80 and starting at 100% of the basic pension for those who touch 100 years. Other state governments besides Kerala have followed the central pattern, says Mr. Antony.

The Kerala Pay Revision Commission of 2009 recommended only 5% additional pension at age 80 and increase to 50% at 100 years. However, even this meager recommendation was not accepted by the state government. This was despite the state government’s declared intention in the 1992 budget speech to introduce central scales, Mr Antony points out.

Even the election manifesto of the United Democratic Front (UDF) in 2011 promised parity with central rates for pensioners. However, the UDF government that came to power did not approve the additional pension. It was the same story with the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government that stayed in power for 10 years.

Mr. Antony expresses concern that the state is trying to find reasons for denying further pension. In 2019, the Kerala Pay Revision Commission recommended giving pensioners a “special care allowance” of ₹1,000 per month on reaching the age of 80 years. Kerala’s adoption of the central formula was beyond its fiscal sustainability.

Now that the UDF government is back in office, it is bound to honor the promise made in its 2011 election manifesto and the constitutional mandate laid down in the Nakara case, Mr. Antony’s petition to the chief minister said. Underscoring the urgency of the matter, he points out that most pensioners over 80 are bedridden, incur huge hospital costs and have to pay for full-time carers.

Published – 16 Jul 2026 20:03 IST