Government to increase welfare pension, will be raised to Rs 1800; announcement likely to be made ahead of local body elections

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala government is planning to increase the welfare pension, with the Finance Department considering a proposal to raise it by Rs 200, making it Rs 1,800 per month. Reports suggest that the announcement, along with other welfare schemes, is likely to be made ahead of the upcoming local body elections.

Currently, welfare pensions reach about 60 lakh beneficiaries across Kerala. The Left government's election manifesto had promised to gradually increase the pension amount to Rs 2500 per month. The last hike was in 2021, during the final phase of the first Pinarayi Vijayan government, when the pension was raised to Rs 1600. Due to the severe financial crisis, no further increases were made since then.

Now, with the elections approaching, the Finance Department is actively considering the proposal to raise the pension by Rs 200. The government is also expected to clear one month's pending arrears along with the hike. In addition, there are indications that important announcements may be made regarding the pay revision for government employees and honorarium increase for ASHA workers.