Pravasi Welfare
REPORT ON Date: 25-11-2008

Although a separate department and a public sector company under the State Government have been functioning in the State for more than a decade much leeway has not been made in the welfare of non-resident Keralites. It is the declared aim of the State Government to change the apathy towards non-resident Keralites by making NORKA Department and NORK-Roots efficient and formulate and implement various welfare schemes for Pravasi people. The LDF Government has taken a slew of measures to alleviate the hardships experienced by Keralites living abroad.

As a stepping stone to achieve this aim Government share of NORKA – Roots was raised to 50 percent whereas it was limited to 26 percent during the UDF rule. Till recently, a database containing all relevant details about Pravasi people has not been prepared. Such a database is a sine qua non for carrying out welfare measures. An identity card to prove that one is a Pravasi Malayali is also an inevitable document. Most of the pravasi people have their names neither in the voters’ list nor in ration cards. It is in this context that the Government took steps to prepare identity cards for non-resident Malayalis. The scheme consists of registering the non-residents and issuing identity cards soon afterwards. This scheme was inaugurated in Malappuram District. It is being extended to other districts also.

Non-resident Keralites have reduced unemployment in the State to a considerable extent and have contributed immensely to the development of the State. Issuing identity cards to them is the first step to ensure their welfare. These cards, which are valid for three years, also provide insurance coverage. Concerned officers are making efforts to bring all pravasi people under this scheme.

A comprehensive welfare scheme for non-resident Keralites is on the anvil. This scheme will cover both Malayalees living outside the country and those living in other States of the country. This welfare scheme envisages pension, family pension, medical aid and other extensive benefits. Another scheme to give instruction on Malayalam and the culture of Malayalees to those Pravasi children who do not know Malayalam is ready for implementation. The cooperation of non-resident Malayalee organisations is sought for the implementation of this scheme. For this purpose Malayalam mission is to be launched shortly.

It is a pity that the deposits of non-resident Keralites have not been properly channelised for developmental activities. A company to look after the rehabilitation of Pravasi returnees and the educational and health affairs of their family members will also be registered.

A good member of Keralites are having harrowing experiences due to lack of proper travel documents, loss of jobs and having been deceived by sponsors. Thanks to the continuous pressure on the Centre in this regard Community Development Counsels attached to the embassies in UAE, Kaula Lampur and Washington have been sanctioned. The Swanthanam scheme to give medical aid to non-resident Keralites who are not sound financially has been widened and made more generous.