Kerala govt scraps Loka Kerala Sabha, plans new forum for expats
Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan has defended the decision to discontinue the Loka Kerala Sabha in its existing form, saying the government is working on an alternative platform to address the concerns of expatriates and strengthen their contribution to the state’s development.
Responding to an adjournment motion in the Assembly on delays in expatriate welfare benefits and the forum’s dissolution, Satheesan said the existing arrangement had not achieved its intended objectives. A proposed Global NORKA Coordination Council is among the alternatives under consideration, with a committee headed by the Chief Minister examining the institutional framework.
Established in 2018 by the previous LDF government, the Loka Kerala Sabha brought together elected representatives and members of the global Malayali diaspora to discuss migration, welfare and investment.
The Assembly discussion also highlighted financial challenges facing the Pravasi Welfare Board. Satheesan said monthly revenue averaged around Rs 16.7 crore, against expenditure of nearly Rs 35 crore. The government has provided Rs 32 crore for pension payments over the past five months, while arrears remain outstanding.
He also cited more than Rs 700 crore in unpaid contributions and difficulties renewing NORKA insurance schemes due to high claims.
The Chief Minister said the government would continue pressing the Centre to address steep airfares affecting migrant workers travelling home.
With IANS inputs