NT Bureau
Doha: The state budget presented by Kerala Finance Minister K N Balagopal has been considerate and favourable towards the Keralite expats working in the Gulf and returnees and will enable us to continue the various schemes and other welfare activities we are currently doing, C V Rappai, Qatar-based businessman and Director of Norka-Roots, has said.
The most important highlight of the budget is that while allocations for some sectors have been reduced due to the financial crisis in the state, the funds for welfare of Non-Resident Keralites have been left untouched, he said in a statement.
“This shows the commitment of the state government towards the welfare of Keralites working in the Gulf. What’s more important is that all the funds allocated so far in this category, have been fully utilized and thousands have benefited from this,” C V Rappai said.
In the 2024-25 budget, Rs.143.81 crore has been earmarked for the various activities of NORKA Department; an amount of ₹ 25 crore is earmarked for NDPREM, a scheme to ensure sustainable livelihood by promoting self-employment ventures, as part of the rehabilitation of returnees to Kerala on account of global recession and nationalisation in Gulf countries; Rs.44 crore is earmarked under Pravasi Badhratha (Expat Security) as a Rehabilitation and Coordination Scheme for returning expats; an amount of ₹33 crore is earmarked for the ‘Santhwana’ Scheme which is intended to provide one-time financial assistance such as treatment assistance up to ₹ 50,000/-, after death assistance of up to ₹ 1 lakh, and assistance up to ₹ 10,000 to purchase physical aids for the disabled, and marriage assistance up to ₹ 15,000/- to Keralites who have worked abroad for at least two years.
“There is another unique project under the Chief Minister’s Special Assistance scheme which provides financial assistance ranging from ₹ 1 crore to ₹ 5 crore with an interest rate of 5%, to MSMEs/ startups/enterprises of non-resident Keralites. This project is especially useful for our expats in the Gulf,” C V Rappai said.
The budget also lays emphasis on the care economy – a scheme for taking care of elders and old people. Under this initiative, care centers can be set up according to international standards with the participation of private sector. This is also one of the opportunities for pravasis.
