Kerala govt announces key orders in first cabinet meeting: 'Free bus travel for women, ₹3,000 hike for ASHA workers'
PTC News Desk: Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheesan on Monday announced welfare schemes for grassroot workers, women and senior citizens of the state, after the first cabinet meeting of the newly sworn-in UDF government.
Addressing a press conference, the CM also said that the government will provide free rides on Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses for women, starting June 15, implementing the UDF's guarantee.
The Cabinet also decided to form a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the alleged attack on Youth Congress leaders during the Nava Kerala Yatra in 2023.
Chief Minister V. D. Satheesan said the Cabinet had approved a ₹3,000 monthly increase in the honorarium of ASHA workers, fulfilling a key assurance made during their prolonged protest outside the Secretariat.
He also announced a monthly hike of ₹1,000 each for Anganwadi workers and helpers, school meal staff, pre-primary teachers and ayahs.
Emphasising that ageing has emerged as a major demographic challenge in Kerala, Satheesan said the true measure of a civilised society lies in how it treats and cares for its elderly population. He added that Kerala aims to set an example before the world through its commitment to the welfare of senior citizens.
Kerala, often referred to as India’s “grey state,” has the country’s highest proportion of elderly residents. More than 18 per cent of the state’s population is aged 60 and above, and projections suggest this figure could rise beyond 22 per cent in the coming years.
Earlier in the day, Satheesan was sworn in as Chief Minister, marking the return of the Congress-led United Democratic Front to power after a decade following its sweeping victory in the 2026 Assembly elections.
Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar administered the oath of office to Satheesan and his 20-member Cabinet in the presence of senior Congress leaders, including Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and K. C. Venugopal.
- With inputs from agencies
