Pensions with a total outlay of Rs.74.78 crore cleared

Kerala cabinet today decided to increase various welfare pensions which would have a total outlay of Rs.74.78 crore,Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said.

Briefing reporters after the weekly cabinet meet,Chandy said the government will need an additional amount of Rs 74.87 crore per year when the welfare pensions are increased.

Old age pension has been increased to Rs 500 while pension for handicapped has been raised to Rs 700 from Rs 525.

Pension for persons with 80 per cent disability has been increased to Rs 1000 from Rs 700 and unmarried women above 50 will get a pension of Rs 700.

Patients coming under BPL category undergoing dialysis for kidney failure will get an amount of Rs 900.

Pension for disabled artistes has been increased to Rs 650 from Rs 550, circus artists’ pension has been increased to Rs 1100 from Rs 1000 and dairy famers’ pension has been increased to Rs 500 from Rs 300.