Kerala Announces ₹3,600 Welfare Pension for Beneficiaries This November

Finance Minister K. N. Balagopal has confirmed that all welfare pension beneficiaries in Kerala will receive a payment of ₹3,600 this November. This amount includes one month’s arrears as well as the revised pension. The Kerala Finance Department has allocated a total of ₹1,864 crore for this disbursement, which marks a significant step towards ensuring timely financial support for vulnerable groups.

Starting on November 20, 2024, the distribution will include the revised pension amount of ₹2,000 per month along with the final installment of pending arrears. Specifically, ₹1,042 crore has been earmarked for the revised pension, while ₹824 crore is designated for this month’s arrears. With these payments, all outstanding welfare pension arrears will be fully settled.

The welfare pension scheme faced delays in recent months, with five installments falling into arrears due to financial challenges during the 2023–24 financial year. In July 2024, a repayment schedule was established in the Kerala Assembly to address these arrears. The government successfully disbursed two installments last year and aims to clear the remaining payments by mid-2024.

Balagopal emphasized the government’s commitment to fulfilling all promised benefits in a timely manner. He noted that only 8.46 lakh individuals in Kerala are eligible for the central government’s share of the welfare pension, which averages about ₹300 per person. Currently, more than ₹400 crore remains due from the central government. To mitigate the impact on beneficiaries, the Kerala government has been advancing these payments.

This initiative reflects the state’s ongoing efforts to support its residents during challenging economic conditions. The timely release of funds is crucial for many families who rely on this assistance to meet their daily needs.