TRIVANDRUM, 24 October — After years of deliberations, Kerala’s Cabinet has finally approved an insurance-linked contributory pension scheme for non-resident Keralites (NRKs), returnees and Keralites settled outside the state. The scheme is to cover about 1.5 million NRKs, one million Middle East returnees to the state and Keralites settled in other parts of India. "Yes, we have given approval for this scheme and it would be ready shortly", chief minister of the southern Indian state, A.K. Antony, said at the post-Cabinet briefing to media persons here yesterday.