THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala state government is actively considering an increase in the monthly welfare pension as the local self-government elections approach. A proposal to raise the pension by ₹200, from the current ₹1600 to ₹1800, is under active review by the Finance Department.
A significant announcement regarding this decision is widely expected on Kerala Piravi Day (November 1).
This proposed hike stands to directly benefit nearly 6 million (60 lakh) recipients across the state. The Left Democratic Front (LDF) had made a prominent electoral promise to incrementally increase the pension amount to ₹2500.
The last increase took place in 2021, during the final phase of the first Pinarayi Vijayan-led government, which set the amount at ₹1600. However, no subsequent hikes were implemented over the last three years, largely attributed to the state’s severe financial crisis.
With local elections imminent, followed by other electoral contests, the government is accelerating the move to increase the pension. The Finance Department is reportedly aiming to implement at least the ₹200 raise. Alongside the hike, a decision to disburse one month of pending pension arrears is also anticipated.
Government sources indicate that the Kerala Piravi Day announcements might also include critical decisions on other welfare measures, such as government employee salary revisions, pending Dearness Allowance (DA) arrears, and an increase in the honorarium for ASHA workers.
Recent protests held by leftist service organizations in front of the Secretariat, demanding action on these issues, are now being viewed by some as a strategic move in anticipation of the government’s upcoming announcements.
