Distribution of social security, welfare fund pensions to begin on Oct 27

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The distribution of social security and welfare fund pensions for October will begin on October 27. Finance Minister K N Balagopal announced that Rs 812 crore has been allocated for this. About 62 lakh people will get Rs 1600 each.

The amount will reach the bank accounts of 26.62 lakh people. Pensions will be handed over to others at their homes through cooperative banks. The central government will pay the central share of the National Pension Scheme to 8.46 lakh people. The state has also allocated Rs 24.21 crore for this on an advance basis. This share will be credited to the bank accounts of the beneficiaries through the central government's PFMS system. This government has spent Rs 43,653 crore so far on the distribution of welfare pensions.

Meantime, reports say that the government will soon announce salary and pension reforms and an increase in welfare pensions ahead of the local body elections. It is reported that the increase in honorarium of ASHA workers is also likely to be included in the announcement to be made by the chief minister on Kerala Piravi Day. However, the government centers have not given any indication in this regard. Since the announcement of the local body elections is likely to be made soon, it is believed that the popular announcement will be made on November 1st itself.