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Kerala extends pensions to nuns (and other women in religious communities)
The state government wants to address an inequality affecting women living in convents, monasteries, and ashrams who lack independent income. The decision is also linked to the case of Sister Ranit, a victim of violence, but it comes on the eve of state elections and will need to be monitored for implementation. Sister Nirmalini, president of the Conference of Religious Women of India, hopes that “this is the beginning for other states to follow”.
Kochi (AsiaNews) – On 28 January, the Kerala government approved a programme to provide social security benefits to women living in religious institutions and thus remove obstacles that previously prevented them from accessing financial assistance.
All unmarried women over the age of 50 who reside in convents, monasteries, and ashrams and lack independent income or other government benefits will now be eligible for pensions.
The decision was made at a cabinet meeting chaired by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
The state government wants to lift practical obstacles that have prevented many women, including nuns, from accessing financial support. Under the new arrangement, they will be classified as a special category.
To facilitate their access to pensions made available by a previous government order of 31 March 2001, the cabinet decided to waive the requirement to submit income and marital status certificates. In their place, a special application form will be introduced, adapted to this group.
Sister Julie George SSpS, a women's rights lawyer and member of the Congregation of the Missionary Sisters Servants of the Holy Spirit, who holds a master's degree in law with a specialisation in human rights and family law, spoke to AsiaNews about it.
“It is a very progressive move,” she said. “But it may only be an electoral stunt, we need to wait and see. I am glad that Sister Ranit has become an instrument for such a move.” State elections are scheduled for next April.
Sister Ranit, a rape victim in the case involving Bishop Franco Mulakkal, had publicly spoken about the serious difficulties she had to face, including a lack of support from institutions. Following her speech, the Kerala government provided her with ration cards.
“I welcome this initiative by the Kerala government not just for religious women but all women,” said Sister Maria Nirmalini, president of the Conference of Religious Women India, which brings together Indian nuns, speaking to AsiaNews. “I really hope that this is the beginning for other states to follow where there is no such provision.”
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