Kerala expats: VS Achuthanandan's government created pensions for returnees

Dubai: Expat Keralties in the UAE and Gulf too were major beneficiaries during the 5 years that VS Achuthanandan served as Chief Minister of Kerala.

“In 2007, the pension scheme for non-resident Keralities returning for good was introduced when VS was CM,” said Mustafa Vazayil, Managing Director of Gargash Insurance Services and member of the board of NORKA (Department of Non-Resident Keralites Affairs). “That was a landmark achievement because it came about just months after VS and LDK took over in 2006.

“A pension scheme for returning NRKs was part of the LDF’s manifesto and it was one of the first promises that VS put into effect.” (During the first Pinarayi Vijayan’s government, the pension was gradually raised to Rs3,500 a month from Rs1,200.)

One of the most revered political leaders in Kerala, VS Achuthanandan – who died on Monday (July 21) at the age of 101 - took over as Chief Minister in 2006 and went to serve out five years. He was also one of the founder-members of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) in the mid-1960s and built a reputation as a champion of the working class in India.

“At the same time, VS was concerned about the working man’s conditions everywhere,” said Vazayil. “His government wanted to make sure that everything in their power could be done for Kerala expats returning after a job loss. In 2009, he introduced a loan scheme for these individuals.

“And it was also during VS’s time that the first orientation programme was held for Keralities going to the UAE or Gulf for the first time.”

Creating an environment for business

Now, VS built his reputation in political circles as a hardcore Communist, but as CM, he did help create an environment that businesses found comforting. That’s how Yussufali MA, Chairman of Lulu Group, remembers VS.

“Even during challenging times, including the Bolghatty project controversies, Achuthanandan extended his support. His words of encouragement towards my investments as an entrepreneur were motivating.

“His consistent concern for the welfare of expatriates, coupled with his simplicity and approachability, earned him the deep respect of all who knew him.”

It was during that time Lulu launched its first project in Kerala – the Lulu Convention Centre in Thrissur.

“His words on that occasion continue to inspire me to this day,” said Yussfali. “It was also my honour to serve alongside him on the Board of Directors of Cochin International Airport Ltd. during his tenure as chairman. We worked on key developmental projects, including the Kochi Smart City initiative.”

The other point UAE based expats from Kerala mention about the 2006-2011 phase when VS was CM was how the government handled the fallout from the Global Financial Crisis of 2008-09. During the period, there were sizable job losses in the Gulf states as well, and Kerala as well as other Indian states witnessed significantly high numbers of people returning for good.

"Kerala government under VS and finance minister Thomas Isaac responded fairly well under the circumstances to the inflow of NRKs who found themselves without a job," said an economist. "It could have gotten worse if the state government had not stepped in."

According to James Mathew, CEO and Managing Partner at UHY James, "Achuthanandan’s political principles shaped social justice within the state and his welfare driven legacy will always have a larger-than-life influence on Kerala & its political philosophy.