Vayalar Ravi assures pension scheme for overseas Indian workers

KOTTAYAM: Union Minister for Overseas Indain Affairs Vayalar Ravi has said the pension scheme for overseas Indian workers would be implemented this year.

Inaugurating Kerala convention of Federation of Malayalee Associations of America here yesterday, Ravi said all employees who were working abroad and seeking emigration clearance would become members of the scheme, announced by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

Ravi said as per the contributory pension scheme the beneficiary has to remit a fixed amount and an equal amount be contributed by the Centre. In the case of women the government share of remittance to the scheme would be double the amount paid by the beneficiary.

The government was taking steps to complete the formalities to give voting rights to non-resident Indians at the embassies.

Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said non-resident Kealites contribute much for the development of the state.