THRISSUR: Chief Minister VS Achuthanandan has officially launched a welfare scheme for Non-Resident Keralites here that would benefit three million people. “Kerala is the first state in the country to bring a bill for nonresidents,” the chief minister said. “The Nonresident Keralites Bill seeks to cater to the welfare of non-resident Keralites by providing for pension and other benefits”.
Keralites who work outside the state can enroll as members of the Pravasi Welfare Fund. An overseas worker needs to pay a monthly fee of 300 rupees and those who have returned or are still working in other Indian states will pay 100 rupees.
They will be included in the welfare schemes announced in the state budget.
Those who are in the 18-55 age group and who have worked outside the state at least for six months are eligible for enrolling. Those who have paid premium for a period of at least five years would get pension and other benefits after the age of 60.
