Satheesan Government Announces Major Welfare Decisions Hours After Taking Oath
Hours after taking charge as V. D. Satheesan, the new Kerala government on Monday rolled out a series of major welfare announcements during its very first Cabinet meeting, signalling an aggressive start to the Congress-led administration’s tenure.
In one of the biggest decisions, Chief Minister Satheesan announced that women across Kerala will be allowed to travel free on Kerala State Road Transport Corporation buses from June 15.
“Free KSRTC travel for women will begin from June 15,” the Chief Minister declared, describing the move as a step aimed at reducing financial pressure on working women, students and daily commuters.
The decision is expected to benefit lakhs of passengers across the state and has already sparked major political discussion within Kerala.
New Department To Focus On Senior Citizens
The Cabinet also approved the creation of a dedicated department for senior citizens, underlining the government’s focus on Kerala’s rapidly growing elderly population.
According to officials, the new department will oversee welfare programmes related to healthcare, rehabilitation, pensions and social protection for senior citizens through a single coordinated system.
The government said the initiative is aimed at improving support structures for elderly residents and streamlining services that are currently spread across multiple departments.
ASHA Workers And Anganwadi Staff Get Salary Hike
In another significant announcement, the Satheesan government approved a ₹3,000 increase in the honorarium of ASHA workers, acknowledging their contribution to Kerala’s healthcare system.
The Chief Minister said the government recognised the role played by frontline health workers and wanted to provide better financial support.
The Cabinet also approved a ₹1,000 salary hike for Anganwadi workers and helpers.
Additionally, school cooks, support staff and pre-primary teachers will also receive an extra ₹1,000 increase in their pay.
The welfare measures are being viewed as an attempt by the new government to immediately strengthen support among grassroots workers and welfare sector employees.
SIT To Probe Alleged Attacks During Nava Kerala Yatra
On the political front, the government announced the formation of a Special Investigation Team to probe alleged attacks on Youth Congress workers during the 2023 Nava Kerala Yatra.
Satheesan said the SIT would investigate the incidents independently and ensure accountability.
“The probe will help restore public confidence in democratic institutions,” the Chief Minister said while announcing the decision.
Kerala Government To Release Financial White Paper
The Chief Minister also indicated that the government would adopt a more transparent approach regarding the state’s finances.
He announced that a white paper detailing Kerala’s financial condition, public debt and expenditure situation would soon be released.
Satheesan said the document would present the actual condition of the state treasury and provide clarity on Kerala’s economic position.
UDF Returns To Power After Ten Years
The Congress-led United Democratic Front returned to power in Kerala after a gap of ten years, with VD Satheesan taking oath as Chief Minister earlier this week.
The Chief Minister also announced that the first session of the 16th Kerala Legislative Assembly will begin on May 21, while the election for the new Assembly Speaker is scheduled for May 22.
The rapid rollout of welfare decisions in the government’s first Cabinet meeting is being seen as an attempt by the new administration to send a strong political message immediately after assuming office.
