Thiruvananthapuram, 16 May (H.S.):The incoming United Democratic Front (UDF) government is preparing to announce a series of welfare measures and relief schemes at its first cabinet meeting on Monday, immediately after the swearing-in ceremony of Chief Minister-designate V D Satheesan and his ministers.

One of the key proposals under consideration is a reduction in petrol and diesel prices in Kerala. Officials said the Finance Department has already started examining how much of the recent ₹3 fuel price hike imposed by the Centre can be absorbed or offset by the State government. The move is expected to provide immediate relief to the public amid rising living expenses.

The cabinet is also likely to take a decision on increasing the wages of ASHA workers, fulfilling one of the major promises made by the UDF during the election campaign. The issue had become politically significant during the polls, with the Opposition accusing the previous LDF government of failing to adequately support frontline health workers.

During the election campaign, the UDF announced its “Indira Guarantees,” a package of welfare promises targeting women, students, pensioners and young entrepreneurs. The promises included free travel for women in KSRTC buses, a monthly assistance of ₹1,000 for college-going girls, enhancement of welfare pensions to ₹3,000, health insurance coverage of ₹25 lakh for families and interest-free loans of up to ₹5 lakh for young entrepreneurs. The coalition had also promised to create a separate department for senior citizens.

Among these promises, free bus travel for women is expected to become the first major welfare scheme implemented by the new government. However, the rollout of several other guarantees is likely to take place in phases because of financial and administrative challenges. Officials said procedures including software integration and beneficiary identification systems need to be completed before the schemes are fully launched.

The Finance Department has reportedly warned the government about increasing fiscal pressure, including an additional liability of nearly ₹4,000 crore next month due to retirement benefits for around 10,000 government employees retiring this month. In view of the financial burden, officials have suggested a phased increase in welfare pensions instead of an immediate hike to ₹3,000.

The government is also considering releasing a white paper on Kerala’s financial condition along with implementing cost-cutting measures. Among the proposals being discussed is a reduction in the number of personal staff appointed from outside government service.

Meanwhile, discussions are continuing over appointments to key positions including the CEO of KIIFB, the Vice Chairperson of the State Planning Board and senior roles in the Chief Minister’s Office. Former Union Cabinet Secretary K M Chandrasekhar and former Chief Secretaries S M Vijayanand and Gigi Thomson are among those being considered for prominent assignments.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman