WelfareReforms – Kerala Government Unveils Major Social Support Initiatives
WelfareReforms – The newly elected government in Kerala has begun its tenure with a series of welfare-driven announcements aimed at strengthening support systems for senior citizens, women, and low-income workers across the state.
The Kerala government on Tuesday officially approved the creation of a separate Department of Senior Citizens Welfare, marking one of the first major administrative decisions taken after the new administration assumed office. The newly formed department will focus on designing fresh welfare initiatives for elderly residents while also streamlining and monitoring existing schemes meant for their care and protection.
Cabinet Prioritises Welfare Measures
The announcement came shortly after Chief Minister VD Satheesan chaired the first Cabinet meeting of the newly formed government on Monday evening. The meeting resulted in several policy decisions centered on social welfare, financial assistance, and public support programs.
One of the key decisions included increasing the monthly honorarium for ASHA workers by Rs 3,000. The move addresses a long-pending demand raised by healthcare workers who had staged protests outside the state Secretariat in recent months seeking better pay and improved working conditions.
The Cabinet also approved a monthly increase of Rs 1,000 for several other categories of workers, including Anganwadi staff, school meal workers, pre-primary teachers, and ayahs. Officials stated that the decision was intended to provide relief to workers involved in grassroots welfare and education services.
Free Bus Travel for Women Announced
In another significant welfare measure, the state government announced free travel for women on KSRTC buses. The scheme is scheduled to come into effect from June 15 and is expected to benefit lakhs of women who depend on public transport for daily travel.
Government sources indicated that the initiative forms part of the administration’s broader commitment to improving social security and reducing transportation expenses for women, particularly those from economically weaker sections.
SIT Formed to Probe Alleged Attacks
Apart from welfare-related announcements, the Cabinet also decided to establish a Special Investigation Team to examine allegations of attacks on Congress leaders during the 2023 Nava Kerala Yatra conducted under the leadership of former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
The investigation is expected to review complaints and incidents reported during the political outreach campaign. Officials said the SIT would function independently and submit its findings after a detailed inquiry.
UDF Returns to Power After Ten Years
Chief Minister VD Satheesan stated that the early decisions reflected the government’s commitment to fulfilling promises made during the Assembly election campaign under the United Democratic Front’s “Indira guarantees” platform.
The Congress-led United Democratic Front officially returned to power after remaining out of office for nearly a decade. The swearing-in ceremony took place on Monday at the Central Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram, where large crowds gathered to witness the formation of the new government.
Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar administered the oath of office and secrecy to Satheesan and members of his Cabinet in the presence of senior political leaders, party workers, and supporters.
New Cabinet Includes First-Time Ministers
Alongside the Chief Minister, 20 ministers were sworn into office. The Cabinet includes 14 first-time ministers, along with two women representatives and two ministers from the Scheduled Caste community.
The Congress party secured 11 ministerial positions in the new administration. Its key ally, the Indian Union Muslim League, received five Cabinet berths after performing strongly in the Assembly elections. Smaller coalition partners, including Kerala Congress factions, the Revolutionary Socialist Party, and the Communist Marxist Party, were also represented in the ministry.
Political observers believe the government’s initial decisions indicate a strong focus on welfare governance, public assistance, and administrative restructuring as the new administration begins its term.