By Shafeeq Hudavi, TwoCircles.net,
Kozhikode: At a time when criticism is pouring in against the pension scheme, chalked out by the State Government, the Kerala Pravasi League is all set to show the way by launching its own non-government comprehensive pension scheme for the welfare of the toiling diaspora. As per the scheme, those returning back from the Gulf countries due to several reasons, including the new restrictive policies of the host countries, will be extended assistance to meet the medical expenses in addition to the monthly pension, if needed.
Kerala Pravasi League functionaries said that the scheme, which is now already operational in Malappuram and Thrissur districts on an experimental basis, would be soon disseminated across the state under the patronage of the organisation state committee.
Pravasi League state general secretary Haneefa Munniyur told Twocicrles.net that around 50000 active members of the organisation could avail the benefits of the monthly pension along with the treatment assistance in the primary stage. “The scheme will be disseminated to the persons in need in the coming phases. Only Rs. 100 will be charged from the beneficiaries as membership fee for two years,” he said.
An amount starting from Rs. 10000 will be given for the renal and cancer patients while the family members of those who are dead will be provided with the relief of Rs.50000.
Haneefa added that the amount of monthly pension would be finalized in the upcoming state committee meeting of Pravasi League.
Presently, monthly pension of Rs. 500 is given to 100 and 300 beneficiaries in Malappuram and Thrissur under the patronage of the district committees.
Haneefa further informed that more beneficiaries would be added to the scheme after once the functions are handed over to the state committee.