Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government has constituted a committee to examine the prevailing financial crisis of the Kerala Pravasi Kerala Welfare Board and submit recommendations for time-bound follow-up action. The decision was issued through Government Order S.O.(Ordinary) No.463/2026/NORKA dated September 20, 2026.
The Kerala Pravasi Kerala Welfare Board was established in 2009 under the provisions of the Kerala Non-Resident Keralites Welfare Act, 2008 and the Kerala Non-Resident Keralites Welfare Scheme, 2009. Its primary objective is to provide social security and welfare support to non-resident Keralites. The board currently has more than 8.5 lakh members and over 80,000 pensioners.
According to the government order, the board did not distribute pensions during its first five years of operation. As a result, it had accumulated fixed deposits amounting to approximately ₹286 crore. However, pension distribution began in 2014, after which expenditure gradually increased in comparison with revenue.
The board subsequently had to utilise its fixed deposits to meet pension and other welfare benefit payments. The government order states that these deposits are now almost completely exhausted.
The government has highlighted the importance of the Pravasi pension for expatriate Keralites who spent their working years abroad and in other states and contributed significantly to Kerala’s economy. For many beneficiaries returning to Kerala, the pension represents an important source of livelihood and old-age social security.
In view of the board’s serious financial situation, the government has stated that timely intervention is essential to ensure the uninterrupted distribution of pensions and other welfare benefits.
Committee to Examine Financial Crisis
The newly constituted committee will discuss measures required to overcome the existing financial crisis of the Pravasi Welfare Board and submit recommendations to the government for time-bound action.
The committee includes the Secretary of the Finance Resources Department, Secretary/Special Secretary of the NORKA Department, Chairman of the Kerala Pravasi Kerala Welfare Board, Chief Executive Officer of the Welfare Board, Chief Executive Officer of NORKA Roots, and representatives of the Finance and Law departments.
The committee has been directed to submit its recommendations to the government within three weeks on measures to overcome the board’s financial crisis and enable timely follow-up action.
The committee’s recommendations are expected to play an important role in finding a sustainable financial mechanism for the board and ensuring the continued distribution of Pravasi pensions and other welfare benefits.
Government Order: S.O.(Ordinary) No.463/2026/NORKA, dated September 20, 2026.
