VACB uncovers fraud in 78 Kerala welfare board offices

The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) uncovered extensive irregularities in 78 offices of 16 welfare boards across Kerala, officials said Friday. Inspections were carried out on Thursday morning under “Operation Welfare Fund” after the bureau received tips of corruption in labour‑department welfare schemes. Director Manoj Abraham ordered the surprise checks, which began at 10.30 am and covered selected branches in several districts. The probe found that contributions from workers and employers were often not deposited on time, with some officials diverting the money for personal use. Pension benefits were granted to people who did not qualify, based on forged paperwork and illegal payments. In several cases, pension payouts continued after the beneficiaries had died, even after their bank details were altered, and the agency did not try to recover the amounts. Some recipients told investigators they never received the promised assistance, despite records showing payments. Bank balances in many offices were lower than the figures recorded in official registers, and many offices failed to keep proper contribution or cash books. Temporary staff were hired without following the required rules, and pensions were given to members who still owed loans or had not paid mandatory employer contributions. The bureau listed specific boards where problems were seen, including the Cashew Workers Welfare Fund Board in Kollam, Toddy Workers Welfare Fund Board in Alappuzha, Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Fund Boards in Idukki, Ernakulam, Malappuram and Wayanad, Motor Transport Workers Welfare Fund Boards in Idukki, Palakkad and others, as well as Jewellery, Handloom and Headload Workers boards in various districts. Director Abraham said the bureau will launch detailed follow‑up probes and pursue strict legal action, while also strengthening monitoring and future inspections. ## Context Welfare boards under the Kerala Labour Department collect contributions to provide social security for workers. Misuse of these funds erodes trust and leaves vulnerable workers without the benefits they depend on, prompting the VACB’s crackdown.