I appreciate finance minister for increasing Pravasi pension from Rs 500 to Rs 2,000. It will be a great relief for small income segment NRKs. Another proposal is Pravasi Chitty by KSFE, which will be canalized through KIIFB for infrastructure development. NRKs will whole-heartedly support this proposal. I interact with NRKs on a daily basis. Hence I am sure that most of the NRKs are keen to invest in chit funds. Kerala receives more than Rs 70,000 crore from NRKs and we have been demanding for a long time that the state government should utilize NRK resources for the state’s development. It is gratifying that the government decided to utilize NRK resources and ensure participation of NRKs in state’s development.
An insurance scheme for NRKs and online collection of NRK data are positive steps towards the welfare of the pravasi community. Another proposal is to start a Loka Kerala Sabha with participation of NRKs and MLAs. It is a good decision as issues of NRKs could be effectively taken up with the government. The proposal to utilise Rs. 25,000 crore for infrastructure will change the face of Kerala. Overall, the budget is very progressive one.
(Author is chairman of Pravasi Bandhu Welfare Trust)
