Two Handloom Officials Suspended Over Alleged Pension Bribe Demands

Two handloom department officials were accused of asking weavers for bribes.

The alleged payments were connected to applications for a pension scheme.

Minister S. Savita ordered that both officials be suspended.

Commissioner G. Rekharani then issued the suspension orders.

The pension scheme is for eligible weavers aged 50 and older.

Officials are checking applications by visiting applicants’ homes.

The government says no weaver should have to pay money to receive a pension.

More than 84,000 weavers already receive these pensions.

The minister warned that strict action would follow any malpractice.