Kochi: Kerala Minister for Information M M Hassan has said a contributory pension scheme for non-resident Keralites (NRKs) will be introduced by the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC).
He said LIC is giving final touches to the pension scheme for 18-lakh Keralites working outside the country. "This is the first such scheme in India, which will fetch its members 2 to 3 per cent more interest for their contribution."
The pension amount is based on the contribution of its members. Those who worked outside India for a minimum period of five years can join the scheme, which is prepared under the initiative of the Non-Resident Keralites Welfare Agency (NRKWA).
He said NRKWA will be converted into a corporation to take up more projects for NRKs. "The first anniversary of the United Democratic Front (UDF) government will be celebrated for a week from 17 May 2002, and the next cabinet meeting will announce some constructive programmes that will be implemented as part of the anniversary."
He said 2 lakh files are pending for decision in the state secretariat, collectorates and the taluk offices in the state. "During the weeklong first anniversary celebration, steps will be taken to dispose of these files."
He claimed there is no appointment ban in Kerala and during the last one year 25,000 people were given jobs in government departments. "There is no ban on appointments, but no new posts are created."
When asked whether the UDF government will fulfil its promise of creating 2 lakh jobs every year, Hassan said in the first year in office the government could not do it because of the financial problems. "The government hasnt thought of introducing a voluntary retirement scheme in government departments though it has been introduced in some public sector companies. And the 60,000 excess staff identified will be redeployed in various departments."
He said LIC is giving final touches to the pension scheme for 18-lakh Keralites working outside the country. "This is the first such scheme in India, which will fetch its members 2 to 3 per cent more interest for their contribution."