Kochi: Kerala is to bring legislation for a farmers' welfare board, first of its kind in the country, that will provide enough guarantees for persuading farmers to stay on in their occupation and increase production. Among other things, the welfare board will provide Rs 50,000 to a farmer's family in case he/she passes away before the age of 60, and will hike the pension amount to farmers.
The law department has finalized examination of the legislation being brought in the next session of the state assembly.
The government is giving a pension of Rs 1,000 to farmers who have reached 60 and cultivate in 10 cents to five acres. This will be enhanced.
Farmers under medical care will be given a daily allowance. Support is also assured for construction of houses. While children are to be offered scholarship for studies, female children will get assistance for marriage.
Women covered under the board's provisions will get support during pregnancy. Assistance will be provided from the fund to farmers for post-death rituals.
Farmers, who do not have to contribute to the pension fund now, will have to remit a nominal amount once the welfare fund is set up. The amount will be decided during legislation.
As of now 3.5 lakh farmers are benefited by the government's pension scheme. With the addition of those farming on leased land, the number goes up to 4 lakh.
Other key highlights:
» Educational-marriage support and assistance for post-death rituals
» Farmer's wife to get pension after his death
» Welfare fund support for mentally-challenged children
» Those who cultivate on leased land for over 10 years also eligible for membership
» Membership application to be certified by agricultural officer
» Small-scale cardamom, coffee and rubber planters can also get membership
