It is known that the scheme is primarily meant for Keralites who slog in labour camps abroad for a pittance and scores of others who eke out a living doing menial jobs in the metros.
All NoRKs aged between 18 and 55 would be eligible to become members of the welfare fund. Keralites who have obtained visa to migrate and those residing in other States for a fixed tenure for employment and planning to continue there can become members of the scheme.
Those residing in metropolitan cities and overseas will be the major beneficiaries of the scheme which intends to provide pension and other benefits to NoRKs above 60 years.
Four slabs of Rs.100, Rs.250, Rs.500 and Rs.1,000 have been proposed for monthly contribution to the welfare fund. About 20 per cent of the contribution would be for pension scheme, to which the government would contribute two per cent.
Providing financial assistance is one of the major attractions of the fund. Loans would be given for purposes including medical treatment, ex gratia in the case of death of members and for marriage of women members. Maternity benefits and loans for housing, education and setting up self-employment ventures are the other pluses. The scheme would also help relatives fly in the bodies of those who die abroad.
According to the provisions of the Non-Resident Keralites Welfare Fund Bill, a corpus will be formed with contributions from the government, unclaimed funds of NoRKs left with the Centre and donations.