In a significant move following the formation of the new UDF government in Kerala, Chief Minister VD Satheesan chaired his first cabinet meeting, where several landmark decisions were finalized. The meeting, which set the tone for the new administration's priorities, focused on social welfare, administrative appointments, and legal accountability. One of the most prominent announcements made by the Chief Minister is the introduction of free travel for women in Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses. This facility is scheduled to be implemented from June 15, providing a major boost to the mobility and financial independence of women across the state. CM Satheesan noted that detailed guidelines regarding the implementation of this free travel scheme would be released in the coming days to ensure a smooth rollout for all female commuters.
Support for Grassroots Health and Education Workers
The cabinet also addressed the long-standing demands of grassroots workers who form the backbone of the state's health and social services, while fulfilling a promise made during the prolonged protests by Asha workers in front of the Secretariat, the government has approved a substantial increase in their monthly honorarium. The cabinet sanctioned a hike of 3000 rupees per month for Asha workers. This decision is expected to provide significant financial relief to these frontline health workers who have been demanding better compensation for their services. On top of that, the cabinet announced a monthly honorarium increase of 1000 rupees for several other categories of workers, including Anganwadi workers and assistants, school cooking staff, pre-primary teachers, and ayahs. The state government emphasized that these increments are aimed at supporting those who provide essential services at the community level and ensuring their welfare.
Pioneering Initiatives for Senior Citizens
In what is being described as a first-of-its-kind initiative in the country, the Kerala cabinet has decided to establish a separate department dedicated to the welfare of elderly people. Chief Minister VD Satheesan highlighted the importance of this move, stating that the progress of a society is measured by how it treats its senior citizens. He remarked that Kerala should strive to become a model civilized society by ensuring respectful and comprehensive care for its elderly population. This new department will focus on addressing the specific needs and challenges faced by senior citizens, ensuring they lead a dignified life with proper support systems in place. The Chief Minister emphasized that this initiative reflects the government's commitment to social justice and the well-being of all age groups.
Legislative and Legal Appointments
The cabinet meeting also finalized key legislative schedules and legal appointments to ensure the smooth functioning of the state machinery. Senior legislator G. Sudhakaran has been nominated as the Protem Speaker. The cabinet has recommended to the Governor to convene the assembly session for the swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected MLAs and the subsequent election of the Speaker. According to the schedule announced by the government, the swearing-in of the MLAs will take place on May 21, followed by the election of the Speaker on May 22. In terms of legal administration, the cabinet appointed senior advocate Rajiv Babu as the Advocate General and advocate T. S. Asaf Ali as the Director General of Prosecution, ensuring that the state's legal interests are represented by experienced professionals.
Accountability and Financial Transparency
Addressing issues of legal accountability and past grievances, the cabinet approved the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to re-investigate a case involving an alleged attack on two Youth Congress workers during a program attended by a former Chief Minister in Alappuzha, while the Chief Minister pointed out that the Alappuzha District Court had ordered a re-investigation on November 8, 2024, but the previous administration had failed to comply with this order for over a year and a half. CM Satheesan clarified that this move isn't driven by political vendetta but is a direct adherence to the court's directives to ensure justice. Also, the government announced that it would soon release a white paper providing a detailed account of the state's financial health and the condition of the public treasury, ensuring transparency and keeping the public informed about the economic status of the state.