A shocking report from Kerala says a total of 1223 individuals, who served as former personal staff in Kerala, are currently receiving pensions from the state. If the pension for those who served under the former ministry is sanctioned the total number of pensioners will reach 1500.
Since April 1, 1984, the pension was allowed to the personal staff through a special rule issued by the state cabinet. It was also decided that up to 25 individuals can be appointed in the personal staff of a minister.
The minimum pension for personal staff is Rs 3550. If the person has two and a half years of service, he will receive this amount for the rest of his life along with 7% DA and gratuity.
The maximum pension for personal staff is Rs 83,400, the same as that of government employees. But for this, the person has to work under different ministers for 30 years.
The expense allocated by the state for the pension has not been codified. It is estimated that the state is spending at least Rs 80 crore per annum for paying pension. When other benefits are included, it will be at least Rs 10 crores. Additionally, the government spends at least Rs 40 crore a year on salaries and travel fares of personal staff.
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