The Pravasi Pension Scheme is a retirement savings plan launched by the Kerala government for people of the state working in the unorganized sectors overseas. Most Keralites working abroad are from lower or middle-income groups, engaged in unregulated sectors, and do not enjoy employee benefits like pensions. So this scheme, run by the Kerala Pravasi Welfare Board, ensures pensions to these groups of people. The Board also pension schemes for families, invalids, medical assistance, etc. Those who have spent at least two years abroad or outside the state can apply.

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How To Apply

Non-resident Keralites between 19 and 60 years old can enrol with the Board and remit the monthly contribution for the pension. They will receive a monthly pension as per their contributions when they reach 60. The minimum pension is Rs 2,000. Those who contribute over five consecutive years will get an additional three per cent of the minimum pension annually.

The minimum monthly contribution for non-resident Keralites overseas is Rs 300; for those living outside the state, it is Rs 100. The membership will be cancelled if there is no contribution for a year. Also, the central and state government employees cannot avail of the scheme.

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Application Process:

The applicants must choose one of the three forms as per their situation: Form 1A is for NRKs employed abroad, Form 1B is for NRKs who are in Kerala after working at least 2 years overseas, and Form 2A is for NRKs working outside the state but in India. To apply online, they must log into the official website of Kerala Pravasi Welfare Board and select ‘Service’. After that, select ‘Online Apply’ in the registration menu, then choose a form—1A, 1B or 2A.

Provide all the relevant information as prompted by the screen, and submit the attested soft copies of the documents. Then, click on ‘Submit’.

You can claim the benefits of the Pravasi Welfare Fund under various scenarios as follows:

Pravasi Pension: It is provided to non-resident Keralites living abroad or outside the state as mentioned above.

Pravasi Family Pension: If the member passes away, the nominee will be eligible for the pension after the subscriber’s cause of death, pension payment mode and registration type are ascertained.

Medical Aid: If the member is diagnosed with a critical illness, they are eligible to receive up to Rs 50,000 from the Fund, provided they do not receive benefits from other government schemes.

Children’s Marriage Assistance: If the member has contributed to the scheme for three or more consecutive years can receive up to Rs 10,000 as financial assistance.

Maternity Financial Assistance: A female member contributing for at least two years is eligible to receive financial assistance for maternity and abortion.