Pravasi Varthakal was the welfare scheme initiated by the State of Kerala for the social security of non-resident Keralites. Non-resident Keralites have been popularly known as Pravasis, and considered one of the largest contributors to the economy of Kerala and to the development of the state as a whole. The Pravasi Varthakal would provide a monthly pension to the expatriates after reaching a certain age, hence ensuring a secure financial future in post-working life.
What is the Pravasi Pension Scheme?
Among the general welfare initiatives of the State government of Kerala are those specially benefiting the large numbers of non-resident Keralites. The Pravasi Pension Scheme was established under the Kerala Pravasi Welfare Board with a manifold welfare activity for Pravasis. The scheme allows people who have spent considerable time abroad in work the possibility of receiving their pension on retirement or when returning to Kerala.
This Scheme was thus primarily meant to bring in financial support and social security for those NRKs in their retired age when they have no other income. A large group of expatriates lacked access to conventional pension schemes, making the Pravasi Pension Scheme essential for them.
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Pravasi Kshemanidhi
Pravasi Kshemanidhi is the highlight of the Pravasi Pension Scheme. It is a welfare fund especially designed for emigrants, by which they are assured of a range of benefits including pension. Pravasi Kshemanidhi was introduced by Kerala Pravasi Welfare Board to give financial assistance during contingencies and also during retirement. Members contributing a fixed amount periodically during their emigration period are eligible for a range of benefits from the fund.
Pravasi Kshemanidhi is a safe and orderly manner in which the NRKs can invest in their future while ensuring that they fall under the cover in a welfare scheme that takes care of the needs in old age.
Key Features of the Pravasi Pension Scheme
The Pravasi Pension Scheme addresses the financial insecurities of NRKs when they return home or their work abroad ends. Following are some of the major features of this scheme:
1. Eligibility Criteria
- To be qualified for the Pravasi Pension Scheme, an individual has to meet the following criteria:
- The applicant must be a non-resident Keralite by definition, i.e., an NRK.
- The applicant should be at least 18 years of age.
Should be a member of the Pravasi Kshemanidhi or the Pravasi Welfare Fund. Applicants need to pay the subscription to the Pravasi Welfare Fund for a minimum period of 5 years for eligibility in respect of getting the pension.
2. Monthly Pension
The Pravasi Pension is hence the most significant achievement under this scheme, amounting to ₹ 5000 every month in return for all its members coming within the ambit. Upon retirement or returning home, NRKs receive a better and more secure income. It starts once the member has attained the age of 60 and has made regular contributions to the Pravasi Kshemanidhi when he is working abroad.
3. Pravasi Welfare Fund
For membership to enjoy the Pravasi Pension Scheme, members ought to make equal regular contributions to the Pravasi Welfare Fund. It is, therefore, usually paid at a time when one is still working abroad. The rates at which such a payment is normally determined by the Kerala Pravasi Welfare Board, yet non-resident Keralites shall upon joining the Fund as quickly as possible, benefited maximally from their membership.
4. Pravasi Welfare Benefits
Along with the pension, members of the Pravasi Welfare Fund and Pravasi Kshemanidhi receive many additional benefits, including:
- Financial assistance in case of accident/injury.
- Repatriation, in case of need
- Death Aid to the family on his demise.
- Health and educational assistance for the member and his family.
The Kerala Pravasi Welfare Board ensures that every non-resident Keralite and their families are support by the Pravasi Welfare Fund during their times of need.
5. Kshema Pension
Kshema Pension is part of the Pravasi Pension Scheme, which ensures that the eligible NRKs are covered for pension benefits even in case they happen to return to Kerala prior to attaining 60 years of age. A member is even eligible to get Kshema Pension on return from abroad if the member pays regular monthly subscription to the Pravasi Kshemanidhi and completes the minimum contributory years prescribed. This is very useful for early returnees to homes due to unexpected reasons such as loss of job, family emergencies, and health problems.
Kerala Pravasi Welfare Board
The Kerala Pravasi Welfare Board is the crucial player that implements the Pravasi Pension Scheme among other welfare programs contemplated for NRKs. The Government of Kerala constituted this board, with a primary mandate of ensuring social security to non-resident Keralites and their families.
Functions of the Kerala Pravasi Welfare Board:
Management of the Pravasi Welfare Fund bestowed upon the Board the responsibility for managing the contributions by NRKs safely and for paying disbursement to its members in the form of pensions and other benefits. It extends variable forms of financial assistance to members, such as medical assistance and education aid for children, or in case of accidents/death.
Welfare of the NRKs: The board works with a view to attain better welfare for the non-resident Keralites by providing resources and facilities to solve the peculiar problems faced by the non-resident Keralites. It is also creating awareness about various welfare schemes for the NRKs and is also trying to increase the membership of the expatriates in the Pravasi Welfare Fund to make maximum utilization of the facility.
Pravasi Payment
Members must continue making Pravasi payments to the Pravasi Welfare Fund to enjoy the benefits of the Pravasi Pension Scheme and other welfare schemes. Members can make this payment from abroad, and the Kerala Pravasi Welfare Board determines the subscription rate. Contributions ensure the right of the member to a monthly pension and all other benefits upon retirement or return to Kerala.
However, the most essential aspect of the scheme is the payment due under Pravasi as it assists in establishing the right of the member to the pension and other financial benefits arising under the scheme. Non-payment of the amount concerned at periodic intervals puts a member into the risk of losing benefits accruable through the scheme.
Pravasi Welfare: A Lifeline for NRKs
In fact, the Pravasi Welfare schemes, such as the Pravasi Pension Scheme, brought financial security to millions of non-resident Keralites. And many of the NRKs return to their homes after years of work abroad in the absence of any statutory pension or social security system. It is here that the Pravasi Welfare Fund creates an avenue for financial assistance, pensions, and related support during their later years.
Importance of Pravasi Welfare to Non-Resident Keralites:
Social Security: The Pravasi Welfare schemes confer much-needed social security for NRKs who otherwise may not be beneficiaries of any such pension schemes.
Financial Support: The Pravasi Pension ensures periodic and stable income for the expatriates once they retire from active employment, enabling them to lead their life with dignity.
All-Encompassing Benefits: In addition to providing pension, Pravasi Welfare Fund extends a host of benefits like health assistance, education aid, repatriation support, among others.
How to become a member of the Pravasi Pension Scheme
The mode of application for membership of the Pravasi Pension Scheme is comparatively easy. The NRKs who wish to be the members of the scheme can do so by the following ways:
Registration at Kerala Pravasi Welfare Board: the non-resident Keralites should renew them at Kerala Pravasi Welfare Board to become members of the Pravasi Welfare Fund. Complete this either online or by visiting the authorized welfare board office.
Pay Regular Contributions: Members shall, upon registration, regularly pay to Pravasi Kshemanidhi the Pravasi Payment at such rate and with such frequency as decided by the Board from time to time.
Eligibility: Membership would have to ensure eligibility for drawing a pension by making at least five years’ regular subscription to the fund in order to become eligible for a pension.
Apply for the Pension: Once the member attains the age of 60, he shall apply for the Pravasi Pension. Apply online or through the welfare board office.
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Conclusion
Pravasi Pension Scheme and the associated Pravasi Kshemanidhi is one of the most important lifelines to the non-resident Keralites for their financial security and social welfare after all those toiling years abroad. The Kerala Pravasi Welfare Board has been administering this scheme quite well so that, in old age, there will be support for the expatriates. Under the Pravasi Welfare Fund, NRKs will get a pension and all other benefits to them and their family so that they lead their retired life with dignity.
Non-resident Keralites who subscribe to the Pravasi Pension Scheme are assure financial security, recognition, and rewards for their contributions to the Kerala economy. The scheme presents an example of how the different welfare systems bring variations into the life of an expatriate to bring in peace of mind and stability at times when most needed.