Kerala became the first state in India to launch a welfare fund for Mahatma Gandhi Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) workers in the State.
The welfare fund has been formed as per the Kerala Employment Guarantee Workers' Welfare Fund Act, 2021.
The initiative was launched by the Chief Minister (CM) of Kerala Pinarayi Vijayan at Kotta Maidanam, Palakkad, as part of the 100-day action plan in connection with the state government’s second anniversary.
Under this, the workers who have completed the age of 60 will be entitled to a pension which will also provide financial assistance for medical treatment, education, and marriage, among other benefits.
Under this, the workers need to pay a nominal monthly amount of Rs 50 as a contribution to the fund and the government will also contribute an equal amount.
Those who have paid the contributions for ten or more years, and their families will get the benefits in case of the beneficiary’s death.
