Pension for overseas Keralites in a month

The much talked about pension scheme for non-resident Keralites (NRKs) will finally come into force within one month, according to NRK Affairs Minister M.M. Hassan.

Speaking here at a meeting of the newly formed Pravasi Sangham initiated by the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPM), the minister said the contributory scheme to be launched in cooperation with the Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) would greatly benefit NRKs and Gulf-returnees.

Hassan was the chief guest at the meeting inaugurated by CPM Politburo member and former Chief Minister E.K. Nayanar.

To be eligible for the pension benefits one should have paid the specified premium for at least five years. The maximum period would be 15 years.

Those NRKs above 40 years would be given a specific amount as pension. After the death of the beneficiaries the amount would go to their dependents, said Hassan.

He stressed that the ruling United Democratic Front (UDF) had been keen on taking various steps aimed at ensuring the welfare of the NRKs and Gulf returnees.

With this aim in view, a NRK Welfare Agency had been formed in the State capital and a NORKA cell had been set up at the Kerala House in New Delhi.

Hassan said that the state government had been exerting pressure on the federal government to concede the NRKs' longstanding demand for voting rights.

The centre had been urged to alter the Representation of People's Act in this regard and set up consulates of foreign countries in Kerala. He pointed out that the Sultanate of Oman had evinced interest in setting up a consulate in the Kerala capital.

Referring to other schemes for NRKs, Hassan said a rehabilitation package was being formulated for the expatriates.

Shipping services to the Middle East with a view to ensuring low cost transport for the Keralites working in the region were also on cards. Initial discussions with port authorities in this respect had already been completed.