Keralam government sanctions ₹32 crore for ‘Pravasi’ welfare pensions ahead of Onam
The Kerala government has sanctioned ₹32 crore to clear arrears for 'Pravasi' welfare pensions for non-resident Keralites. The funds are scheduled to be credited to beneficiaries' accounts before the Onam festival.
Why it matters
Government welfare disbursements are essential for the financial stability of expatriate workers and their families.
The Keralam government has authorised the release of ₹32 crore for the payment of welfare pensions to non-resident Keralites.
The ‘pravasi’ welfare pension had been in arrears for some months. The pension will be credited to the bank accounts of the beneficiaries before Onam, Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan’s office said.
The United Democratic Front (UDF) government said the arrears had piled up on account of the previous Left Democratic Front (LDF) government diverting the pension funds under the Kerala Non-Resident Keralites’ Welfare Fund Board for other purposes.
The ‘Pravasi’ pension is paid at the rate of ₹3,500 for Keralites who are abroad, and ₹3,000 to individuals who are working in other States or have returned. In May 2026, the Kerala Non-Resident Keralites’ Welfare Fund Board had around 9.5 lakh members and 94,666 pensioners, according to figures presented by the Chief Minister in the Assembly in June 2026.
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