Kerala to start social security pensions from Aug 19, Rs 4,500 bonus for staff

Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan announced that the distribution of social security pensions in the state will begin from Wednesday, August 19, instead of the usual date around the 25th of the month, as an Onam bonanza. A total of Rs 1,105 crore has been sanctioned for this purpose, according to Mathrubhumi.

The government has also declared Onam benefits worth Rs 630.05 crore for employees and pensioners. Employees will get a bonus of Rs 4,500 and an Onam advance of Rs 20,000, while those not eligible for the bonus will receive Rs 3,000 as festival allowance. Part-time temporary employees will get an advance of Rs 6,000. ASHA workers and Anganwadi employees will get Rs 1,450 each as festival allowance, and service pensioners Rs 1,250.

Scholarship arrears for backward classes worth Rs 310 crore have been cleared. Additionally, 3.68 lakh MGNREGS families completing 100 working days will get Rs 1,200 each as Onam allowance, costing Rs 44.24 crore. The CM said 6,07,650 Onam kits are ready for distribution, with 3,06,092 already at ration shops, and dismissed rumours of a shortfall.