Kerala Pravasi Pension Scheme

Why Kerala Pravasi Pension Scheme?

Kerala has a sizable population of Non-Resident Keralites (NRKs) who work outside the state, including those in foreign countries (NRIs) and other parts of India. Many of these individuals are employed in unorganised sectors and, consequently, do not receive standard employee benefits like pensions. Recognizing the vital need for post-retirement financial security, the state government of Kerala introduced the Kerala Pravasi Pension Scheme.

What is Kerala Pravasi Pension Scheme?

Kerala Pravasi Pension Scheme (PPS) is a pension plan that offers financial security to Non-Resident Keralites (NRKs) who plan to settle back in Kerala after returning from abroad. This scheme also applies to NRKs who have returned to the state for permanent residence after spending at least two years in a foreign country. The Kerala government launched this initiative in April 2018 and is managed by the Kerala Pravasi Welfare Board (Pravasi Kshemanidhi Board).

Guided by the Kerala Non-Resident Welfare Act and supported by the Pravasi Welfare Fund, the Kerala Pravasi Welfare Board administers many Pravasi Pension Schemes, including those for NRKs, family members, invalids, and individuals requiring medical assistance, among others.

Key Features of Kerala Pravasi Pension Scheme

The Pravasi Pension Scheme aims to provide a monthly pension and welfare benefits to the NRKs. The key features of the Pravasi Pension Scheme are:

• The scheme was launched by Pinarayi Vijayan, Chief Minister of Kerala.
• Its beneficiaries include Non-Resident Keralites (NRKs) and their families.
• The minimum contribution period required is 5 years.
• Contributing members will receive the applicable Pravasi Pension amount after the age of 60 years.
• Contributing members will receive a minimum monthly Pravasi Pension amount of ₹2000 after the age of retirement in return for a continuous contribution towards the Kerala Pravasi Welfare Fund till the age of 60 years.
• Members of the Kerala Pravasi Pension Scheme who contribute for more than 5 consecutive years will get an additional 3% of the minimum Pravasi Pension amount (i.e. ₹2000) every year after the completion of 5 years.
• The minimum monthly contribution for NRKs abroad is ₹300, and for NRKs in India, it is ₹100.
• In case of no contributions for an entire year, the membership will be cancelled.
• The minimum period for contribution is 5 years.
• The Central and State Government employees cannot avail of the Pravasi Pension Scheme.

Eligibility Criteria to Join Pravasi Pension Scheme

To qualify for the Pravasi Pension Scheme, individuals must meet the following eligibility criteria:

Special Rules for Late Joiners to Kerala Pravasi Pension Scheme

The Kerala Pravasi Pension Scheme ensures financial security and supports a stable, dignified post-retirement life for expatriates. The special rules for late joiners to the team are:

• NRKs joining the Welfare Fund between ages 55 and 60 must contribute for 5 years to qualify for a pension.
• Pension applications should be submitted after reaching pension age, preferably online.

NRKs Ineligible to Join Kerala Pravasi Pension Scheme

Non-Resident Keralites (NRKs) ineligible to join the Kerala Pravasi Pension Scheme offered by the Pravasi Welfare Board include:

• NRKs who are employed with the Central or State Governments.
• NRKs less than 19 years and above 60 years of age.

Cancellation of Membership for Kerala Pravasi Pension Scheme

The following category of Keralites becomes ineligible for Pravasi pension under the Kerala Welfare Board:

• Membership is canceled automatically if contributions are not made for 12 consecutive months.
• Membership can be renewed by paying pending dues with a penalty.

Documents Required

The Non-Resident Keralites (NRKs) must submit the following documents to register with the Kerala Pravasi Welfare Fund for joining the Pravasi Pension Scheme:

• ID Proof (any one): Valid Passport, Aadhar Card, Birth Certificate, Voter ID Card.
• Address Proof (any one): Utility Bills, Bank Passbook, Aadhar Card, Passport.
• Important Documents: Valid Visa, Valid Passport.
• Other Documents: Passport-size Photo, Digital copy of the NRK's signature.

Forms Required to Become a Member of Kerala Pravasi Welfare Board

To join the Kerala Pravasi Welfare Board, specific forms are needed based on your category:

Form 1A: For Non-Resident Keralites (NRKs) currently working abroad.

Form 1B: For NRKs who have returned to Kerala permanently after working abroad for at least two years.

Form 2A: For NRKs working in India, but outside Kerala.

How to Register for Pravasi Pension Scheme Online?

Following is a step-by-step guide you can follow to register online under the Pravasi Pension Scheme:

Step 1: Visit the official website of the Kerala Pravasi Welfare Board

Step 2: Click on a 'Services' option

Step 3: Visit the menu of Online Registration and press on the tab 'Online Apply' tab

Step 4: This will forward you to the application form page of the Pravasi Pension Scheme

Step 5: Choose the type of registration according to your group i.e., Form 2A, 1A, and 1B

Step 6: Enter your name, gender, age, address, and other basic details

Step 7: Upload the self-attested documents with your photo and a digital signature

Step 8: Submit the digital copies of your valid Visa Passport

Step 9: Pay the applicable monthly fee required to register with Pravasi Kshemanidhi/ Pravasi Welfare Fund

Step 10: Click 'Submit'. Note your application number onscreen.

Your registration process will be successful after document verification. You will get your Member ID for Pravasi Welfare Board within 15 working days of registration.

List of Kerala Pravasi Welfare Board Schemes

Let us learn the features of the major schemes provided under the Kerala Pravasi Welfare Board Schemes.

1. Kerala Welfare Board- Pravasi Pension Scheme

   • Provides a monthly pension to NRKs aged 60 and above based on their contributions. Minimum pension is ₹2,000 per month.

2. Kerala Welfare Board- Family Pension Scheme

   • If a pension member passes away, their family (wife, children under 21, dependent parents) can receive 50% of the pension the member would have received.

3. Kerala Welfare Board- Pension for Invalids

   • Members who've paid for at least 3 years and are permanently disabled can get a pension.
   • They need a certificate from a doctor and a Medical Board to apply.

4. Kerala Welfare Board- Financial Help for Family of a Deceased Member

   • If a Welfare Fund member dies due to illness or accident, their family can get up to ₹50,000.
   • If an NRK member (Form 1B) dies, the family gets ₹30,000.
   • If an NRK-India member (Form 2A) dies, the family gets ₹25,000.

5. Kerala Welfare Board- Treatment Assistance

   • Members can get help for treatment costs (up to ₹50,000) if they provide original bills and a doctor's certificate.
   • Only treatments in approved hospitals are covered.
   • If the member has received help from other sources, they cannot claim again from the Welfare Board.
   • Pensioners do not qualify for treatment help.

6. Kerala Welfare Board- Marriage Assistance

   • Members who have paid for at least 3 years can get ₹10,000 for their daughter's marriage.
   • This can be claimed twice in total.
   • Only one family member (NRK) can get this help.

7. Kerala Welfare Board- Educational Grant

   • Children of NRK members who have paid for 2 years are eligible for an educational grant for higher studies.
   • The grant covers courses from ITI to postgraduate studies.

8. Kerala Welfare Board- Maternity Assistance

   • Female members who have contributed for 2 years can get ₹3,000 for maternity expenses.
   • In case of abortion, they can receive ₹2,000.
   • This help can be claimed twice during the membership.

9. Kerala Welfare Board- Housing Loan Payment Scheme

   • Provides financial assistance for housing loans to members who have contributed regularly for 5 years, helping them build or buy homes.

Wrapping It Up

The Kerala Pravasi Pension Scheme offers financial security to Non-Resident Keralites (NRKs) in their later years. By contributing a small monthly amount, members can ensure a steady pension that can help in their retirement planning. This scheme is a step towards supporting the welfare of expatriates and giving them a sense of financial stability and dignity. It reflects Kerala's commitment to its diaspora, helping them plan a secure future.