Pension Schemes*

Several pension schemes are being implemented by Government as a safety net for vulnerable sections of the society. There are more than 40 pension schemes of which 20 are financed by the State itself. These pension schemes are implemented directly by the Government Departments or through different Welfare Fund Boards. More than 37 lakh people are benefited through different pension schemes.

Widow/Destitute Pension is a major scheme. The scheme benefits 286867 women and the monthly rate of pension is Rs.110 during 2007. Of the total number of beneficiaries, Thiruvananthapuram has the largest number with 38635 women and the lowest number is in Idukki District with 3537 beneficiaries.

Unmarried women above 50 years are also paid a monthly pension @ Rs.110 and the scheme benefited 35564 women during the period under review. Financial assistance is also given to poor widows for the marriage of their daughters. The rate of assistance is Rs.5000.

Major Pension Schemes in Kerala through Revenue Department.

The National Old Age Pension is another part scheme of National Social Assistance Programme of Government of India and was implemented from 1995 for persons above 65 years of age. During 2007, 1,41,956 persons are benefited while in 2006, only 1,31,912 persons were benefited by this scheme. Under this scheme, Central share is Rs.200 and State share is Rs.35 (total Rs.235) per month per beneficiaries.

Details of Rates per person on Social Security Pension Schemes in Kerala - 2007.

*Source: Economic  Review:2007