Welfare pensions to disbursed in Keralam from Aug. 19

The Kerala government announced on Tuesday that welfare pensions will be disbursed on August 19, one week earlier than the usual date of August 25, in preparation for the upcoming Onam festival. Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan revealed that the government has allocated ₹1,105 crore for this purpose. The funds will be used to pay social welfare pensions and social security benefits to around 59,00472 beneficiaries.

Additionally, ₹130.35 crore will be disbursed to the 6.95 lakh pensioners of 16 welfare fund boards in the state, while ₹24.76 crore will go towards the 8.46 lakh beneficiaries under the National Social Assistance Programme. The government will also pay an Onam bonus of ₹4,500 to all government employees, with an option to take a ₹20,000 advance.

Employees not entitled to the bonus will receive a ₹3,000 festival allowance. Part-time and contingency workers will receive a ₹6,000 advance. The government has also cleared pension arrears for anganwadi workers and provided a festival bonus of ₹1,450 to ASHAs and anganwadi workers. Furthermore, the government will clear scholarship arrears and provide ₹630 crore for paying Onam bonuses and other benefits to government employees.