THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The government has issued an order sanctioning the welfare pension for the month of February. The distribution will begin today and is directed to be completed by March 6.

A total of 49 lakh people will receive a pension of Rs 1,600 each. Previously, the number of beneficiaries was 52 lakh, but ineligible recipients were removed through data correction. As a result, the total amount required for pension distribution has also decreased. While Rs 910 crore was required earlier, only Rs 721.12 crore has been sanctioned this time.