Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 18 Keralam Local Self Government Minister K M Shaji on Sunday said that air conditioners are not always a luxury; they are a basic need in the current times and therefore should not be a criterion while considering someone for a pension.
Shaji, speaking to reporters, said that there are many patients who cannot do without an air conditioner (AC) due to their specific medical condition.
“So, it is the view of the party and the Local Self Government Department (LSGD) that it should be removed as a criterion when considering someone for a pension,” he said.
The minister said that the LSG Department wrote to the Finance Department to remove it as a criterion, but some media reported that it has been removed.
He clarified that, as of now, that criterion has not been removed, but everyone was of the view that it should be.
According to the social welfare pension eligibility guidelines of the Keralam government, having an air conditioner disqualifies a person from being considered for the benefit.
(PTI News)
