Thiruvananthapuram, 18 May (H.S.):

The newly sworn-in V.D. Satheesan government on Monday unveiled a series of major welfare measures at its first Cabinet meeting, signalling an effort to swiftly implement key promises made in the UDF’s election manifesto.

Among the most significant announcements was the rollout of free travel for women in Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses from June 15 under the “Indira Guarantee” programme. The government said detailed guidelines and operational modalities for the scheme would be announced later.

In another major initiative, the government decided to establish a dedicated department for senior citizens, a first-of-its-kind move in India. Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan said the administration would examine successful international models, particularly Japan’s approach to elderly welfare.

Stressing the importance of care for senior citizens, Satheesan said the true measure of a civilised society lies in the way it treats its elderly population. He said the government would adopt a compassionate and inclusive approach towards older people.

The Cabinet also approved increases in welfare payments and honorariums for several categories of workers. ASHA workers will receive an additional ₹3,000, while Anganwadi workers will get a monthly increase of ₹1,000. Cooking staff, ayahs and pre-primary teachers will also receive an additional ₹1,000 in their honorariums. The Chief Minister said further welfare measures would be considered as the state's financial situation improves.

The government also made important administrative appointments. Senior legislator G. Sudhakaran was named Pro-tem Speaker, while Jaiju Babu was appointed Advocate General and T. Asaf Ali was appointed Director General of Prosecution.

The Cabinet further announced a special investigation into allegations of police excesses during the Nava Kerala Yatra.

Earlier in the day, V.D. Satheesan took oath as Kerala’s 13th Chief Minister at a grand ceremony held at Central Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram. Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar administered the oath of office. Satheesan was joined by a 20-member Cabinet, marking the return of the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) to power in Kerala after a decade.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman