Kerala only State where people appointed for just two years to Ministers get life pension: SC flags concern
The Hindu
‘At least 20 persons are appointed for Ministers for two years and then they get pension for full life... Please tell us why,’ Justice Nazeer asked senior advocate V. Giri
The Supreme Court on March 14 flagged concern about Kerala being the only State where at least 20 persons are appointed to Ministers for just two years, and then they go on to get pension for the rest of their lives.
Justice Nazeer, the lead judge on a Bench also comprising Justice Krishna Murari, said he had a read a newspaper report about this phenomenon in Kerala.
"At least 20 persons are appointed for Ministers for two years and then they get pension for full life... Please tell us why," Justice Nazeer asked senior advocate V. Giri, who is appearing for the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC). The State corporation has challenged the higher fuel prices, especially diesel, saying it would affect public transport.
Justice Nazeer, at one point, asked if the State was "so rich" it could appoint people for just two years and then go on to pay them pension for their whole lives. If so, Justice Nazeer said, the State could very well afford to pay for the fuel.
The oral comments from the judge came amidst controversy about Ministers appointing certain people, including party functionaries, as their personal staff for handsome salaries. These people are eligible for pension after two years as personal staffers. Critics have highlighted this practice as a drain on the State coffers.
"It is the only State doing this... Please convey our words to the State government," Justice Nazeer addressed Mr. Giri.
Assuring the court that he would indeed pass on the message to the State government, Mr. Giri said the media would flash the judge's comments in the next five minutes and it would reach the ears of the State government.
