Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government has sanctioned ₹32 crore for disbursing pensions through the Kerala Pravasi Welfare Board. The funds have been released by the Finance Department, and the pension amount is expected to be credited to beneficiaries’ bank accounts ahead of Onam.

The pension arrears had accumulated following a financial crisis caused by the diversion of funds meant for the Pravasi Welfare Board’s pension scheme during the previous government’s tenure, said the Chief Minister's Office in a statement.

The present government has intervened, citing its commitment to the expatriate community, and sanctioned the first tranche of funds. Chief Minister V D Satheesan has directed officials to expedite the process of clearing the remaining arrears.