Octogenarian’s fresh plea for additional pension

An octogenarian has again petitioned the government for sanctioning additional pension for State government pensioners above the age of 80 at Central government rates.

M.J. Antony, an 88-year-old pensioner from Pattom in the State capital, had met the Chief Minister in July seeking the grant of additional pension for all State government pensioners above the age of 80, as paid to retired Central government employees. Despite the Chief Minister’s assurance, the Finance department’s Pension Welfare Cell denied Mr. Antony’s request citing the current financial situation of the State.