THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala government has released ₹32 crore to clear welfare pension dues for expatriates registered with the Kerala Pravasi Welfare Board, providing relief to beneficiaries ahead of the Onam festival.

The funds have been sanctioned as the first tranche towards settling pending pension arrears, according to a statement from the office of Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan.

The government has also issued instructions to expedite the distribution of the money to eligible beneficiaries, with the move aimed at ensuring payments reach pensioners ahead of Onam.

According to the Chief Minister’s Office, pension payments had been delayed after funds earmarked for the Pravasi Welfare Board’s pension scheme were diverted during the previous administration, leaving arrears that the current government inherited.

The ₹32-crore allocation represents the first stage of the government’s effort to address those outstanding liabilities. Further steps are expected to be taken to clear the remaining dues.

The Pravasi Welfare Board provides social security benefits to Kerala’s expatriate community, including pension support for eligible members who have returned to the state after working overseas.

The timing of the release is significant as Kerala prepares for Onam, when household spending typically rises and welfare payments assume greater importance for pensioners and lower-income families.

The government said the immediate priority is to clear pending payments and ensure beneficiaries receive the financial assistance due to them without further delay.