Pension scheme for unorganised sector launched

Jose K. Mani M.P. launching the State-wide Swavalamban Yojana, a National Pension Scheme for the Unorganised Sector, in Kottayam on Monday.

Workers have to contribute Rs.1,000 a year to Swavalamban Yojana

The State-wide launch of Swavalamban Yojana, the national pension scheme for the unorganised sector, was held here on Monday.

Speaking after launching the scheme, Jose K. Mani, MP, said that such welfare schemes, introduced by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA), had great importance in bringing the economic and social security initiatives of the Central government into fruition.

The scheme, promoted by the PFRDA, under the Central government, is implemented through selected agencies across the nation. ESAF Microfinance has been selected as the implementing partner for the scheme in seven States, including Kerala. PFRDA Executive Director Padma Iyer Kaul presented a detailed report on the pension scheme during the inaugural function.

In his welcome address, K. Paul Thomas, managing director, ESAF Microfinance, lauded the Central government for formulating such a policy. He also said that the scheme would benefit nearly 4.5 lakh ESAF clients spread across seven States in India.

Kottayam municipal chairperson Sunny Kalloor presided over the function.

PFRDA Deputy General Manager Rakesh Sharma, Deputy Labour Commissioner Joseph K. Paul, ESAF Microfinance board member R. Prabha, director operations George Thomas, and former MLA V.N. Vasavan spoke on the occasion.

Later, speaking at a press conference, Ms. Kaul said that through the Swavalamban Yojana scheme, the government aimed at providing protection to people working in the unorganised sector in their old age. A person joining the programme should contribute an amount of Rs.1,000 a year. The government should also contribute an equal amount annually until the financial year of 2013-14. The accumulating amount would be invested by the government in funds having growth prospects.

The beneficiaries will be able to avail of the pension when they turn 60, based on the amount accumulated. They will also have the option of withdrawing their respective amounts partially, subject to certain conditions.

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Welfare scheme for jobless Non-Resident Keralites

Thiruvananthapuram, June 24 : Now, Non-Resident Keralites (NRKs) who return home jobless will be provided assistance for education, marriage, maternity besides money for performing funeral rites, Kerala Governor R.S. Gavai announced Friday.

Kerala has over two million people who work abroad and another one million who have returned.

"The NORKA (Non-Resident Keralites Affairs Department) Centre will bring all agencies of the department under one roof and would begin functioning this year itself. It is also proposed to start an NRI Business Centre in the building along with a call centre and a helpline for assisting NRKs," said Gavai.

Addressing the first session of the newly-constituted state assembly following April 13 elections, the governor also said that Norka-Roots will strengthen the recently established job portal for promotion of safe migration practises and ensure good jobs overseas.

"The awareness campaign against illegal-migration being done by Norka-Roots would also be expanded. Similarly, the skill upgradation and training programme would also be expanded with new courses which are relevant to overseas employment as well as addition of up to date training facilities," added Gavai.

--IANS

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Welfare scheme for jobless Non-Resident Keralites

Now, Non-Resident Keralites (NRKs) who return home jobless will be provided assistance for education, marriage, maternity besides money for performing funeral rites, Kerala Governor R.S. Gavai announced Friday.

Kerala has over two million people who work abroad and another one million who have returned.

"The NORKA (Non-Resident Keralites Affairs Department) Centre will bring all agencies of the department under one roof and would begin functioning this year itself. It is also proposed to start an NRI Business Centre in the building along with a call centre and a helpline for assisting NRKs," said Gavai.

Addressing the first session of the newly-constituted state assembly following April 13 elections, the governor also said that Norka-Roots will strengthen the recently established job portal for promotion of safe migration practises and ensure good jobs overseas.

"The awareness campaign against illegal-migration being done by Norka-Roots would also be expanded. Similarly, the skill upgradation and training programme would also be expanded with new courses which are relevant to overseas employment as well as addition of up to date training facilities," added Gavai.

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High level meeting on 'free rice' scheme on June 4

Thiruvananthapuram, May 28 : Union Minister of State for Food and Civil Supplies K V Thomas will hold discussions with Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy on June four at Thiruvalla.

Attending a Meet-the-Press Programme, orgainsed by Kesari Memorial Journalists Trust here, the Union Minister said top officials from Central Food and Civil Supplies Department and a team led by the Chief Minister would hold discussions on the issue.

Annoncing that a survey would be conducted to identify APL and BPL familes in the state immediately, he said about two crore bogus ration cards were eliminated at the national level after verification.

Many technical measures have been implemented to reduce the wastage of grains during various stages of procurement, including harvesting, transportation and storage, he said.

With these measures, the FCI reduced the wastage to 7,000 million tonne (0.02 per cent) last year, compared to nearly 70,000 million tonne (2.5 per cent) in the previous years, he added.

--UNI

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