Thiruvananthapuram: Ahead of Vishu, an additional instalment of social security and welfare fund board pension has been sanctioned for beneficiaries in Kerala. The pension for the month of April is being distributed in advance of the festival. Finance Minister K N Balagopal announced that Rs 8,200 crore has been allocated for this purpose, benefiting around 62 lakh individuals, each of whom will receive Rs 1,600. Pension disbursement will begin next week.

For over 26 lakh beneficiaries, the amount will be credited directly to their bank accounts. The remaining recipients will receive the pension at their homes through cooperative banks. The Minister has instructed that all beneficiaries must receive the pension before Vishu without fail.

For 8.46 lakh people under the National Pension Scheme, the central share is to be provided by the Union Government. The state has advanced Rs 243.1 crore to cover this amount. The share will be credited to the beneficiaries’ bank accounts through the Central Government’s PFMS system.