Pending welfare pension in state will be distributed within two weeks

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The government has decided to distribute the welfare pension for the months of October and November, which was suspended due to severe financial crisis in the state. Finance Minister KN Balagopal informed that Rs 1800 crore has been allocated for this purpose. Kerala Kaumudi had earlier reported that the financial crisis of the government was affecting the common people. This immediate action was taken following this report. But no decision has been taken regarding pension for the month of December pension.

Welfare pension is given to 52 lakh people. Rs 779 crore was sanctioned for the October pension but the disbursement didn’t happen due to lack of money in the treasury. The pension for month of November was also pending. The state has fallen into a severe financial crisis after the welfare and relief measures worth Rs 15,000 crore during Onam. The situation has worsened as the Centre has imposed strict restrictions on providing loans.

Although the state has not recovered from the crisis, the pension distribution is being resumed considering difficulties of the people.

Centre’s permission required

*Loan availability till this month Rs 17, 936 crores

Remaining Rs 2000 crore

*Centre has not made a decision regarding the maximum amount allowed to take as loan till March.

*Emergency assistance of 6,835 crore and relaxation of loan availability of Rs 4,060 crores has been requested from the Centre. No decision has been made yet.