Thiruvananthapuram: In a significant relief for the pensioners, the Kerala government here on Tuesday announced the distribution of two months of welfare pensioners. As part of the government’s Onam gift, beneficiaries of social security and welfare fund pensions will receive two additional installments of welfare pensions. 

The Kerala Finance Minister K N Balagopal announced that Rs 1,700 crore has been allocated for this purpose. Around 62 lakh people will receive Rs 3,200 each for Onam. These are in addition to the one installment currently being distributed.

The amount will start reaching beneficiaries from September 11. For 26.62 lakh people, the funds will be credited directly to their bank accounts, while others will receive the pension at home through cooperative banks. One of the two installments granted is an arrear. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had previously clarified in the Legislative Assembly that the welfare pension arrears would be distributed this year and the next, due to financial constraints.