Mainstream WeeklyAbstract
Mariyakutty is a beneficiary under the Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS) from Kerala who used to get a small amount of Rs. 1600 under the scheme, ‘a purse of her own’ in the words of Susan B. Anthony. However, for the past six months, she has not received the entitled amount under this pension scheme. Though she filed a representation before the state government seeking disbursal of the pension arrears, there was no follow-up on it. This forced the 86-year-old woman to carry out a ‘strike’ with a ‘begging bowl’ in her hand against the government apathy. She then approached the Kerala High Court seeking the release of her monthly pension. Taking her plea into the account, the High Court, criticized the state government for not catering to the needs of Mariyakutty. She became a symbol of hope for many women who are facing a similar fate and a genuine symbol of empowered woman. The author argues that Kerala needs more “Mariyakuttys