Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Public Works Department (PWD) suspended 31 officials on Saturday for fraudulently receiving welfare pensions meant for the financially disadvantaged. The action was taken under Rule 10 of the Kerala Civil Services (Classification, Control, and Appeal) Rules, 1960, citing serious disciplinary violations.

The suspended officials include sweepers, cooks, watchers, scavengers, caretakers, overseers, ferrymen, and office attendants. Investigations revealed that a total of 47 PWD employees had illegally obtained the pensions. The department has ordered the recovery of the full amount received by these employees, along with 18 per cent interest.

This follows similar actions taken against 34 employees of the Revenue Department and four of the Survey and Land Records Department for misusing the welfare pension scheme.