KSKTU Demands Apology from Malayala Manorama Over Remarks on Pensioners

Thiruvananthapuram: The State Committee of KSKTU has demanded an apology from the Malayalam daily Malayala Manorama, stating that the newspaper compared social welfare pension beneficiaries to wild boars in a recent report.

In a statement, KSKTU leaders said that during the tenure of UDF government, when welfare pension arrears reportedly extended up to 18 months or more, the newspaper had not taken a critical stand. They claimed that the current criticism comes at a time when LDF government is distributing welfare pensions without arrears.

KSKTU President Anavoor Nagappan and General Secretary N Chandran said that the comparison was insensitive toward vulnerable sections of society, including agricultural workers and pension beneficiaries.

The leaders further stated that such reporting reflects a lack of media ethics and accused the newspaper of adopting a partisan stance. They added that if public boycotts Manorama, then it would contribute to a healthier social environment in Kerala.