Kerala VACB initiates probe of 16 welfare fund boards amid corruption complaints

The Vigilance and Anti‑Corruption Bureau (VACB) launched inspections of 16 welfare fund boards operating under Kerala’s Department of Labour on Thursday, November 5, 2026, after receiving a series of complaints about financial irregularities, The Hindu reported.

What prompted the VACB to start the inspections?

The bureau acted on diverse complaints alleging misappropriation of employer contributions, bribery for adding ineligible beneficiaries, and tampering of account details to continue pension payments after a beneficiary’s death, according to The Hindu.

How extensive is the inspection effort?

Operation Welfare Fund is being carried out in 78 offices across the 16 boards that fall under the state government’s Department of Labour, as stated by VACB director Manoj Abraham in a press release cited by The Hindu.

Which specific irregularities are under investigation?

Investigators are probing claims of officials siphoning funds, granting multiple pensions to a single person, awarding ex‑gratia benefits to those not entitled, and diverting government assistance, The Hindu said.

The director also urged citizens to report any corrupt activity via toll‑free number 1064 or the mobile numbers 8592900900 and 9447789100.