Thiruvananthapuram, 29 May (H.S.) : The first policy address of the newly elected United Democratic Front (UDF) government led by Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan will be delivered in the Kerala Legislative Assembly on Friday, setting the tone for the administration’s priorities and governance agenda.

Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar is scheduled to address the Assembly at 9 a.m. He will be received at the Assembly complex by Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Sunny Joseph at around 8.55 a.m.

The policy address is expected to focus heavily on the key promises and guarantees made by the UDF during the Assembly election campaign. Several welfare measures that featured prominently in the party’s manifesto are likely to find mention in the Governor’s speech, outlining the government’s roadmap for its first term in office.

Among the most anticipated announcements is the introduction of free travel for women on Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses. The Chief Minister had earlier promised that the scheme would be implemented from June 15, and the policy address is expected to provide details on its rollout.

The government is also expected to reaffirm its commitment to enhancing social welfare benefits, including a proposed increase in welfare pensions to ₹3,000 per month. The much-publicised “Indira Guarantees,” which formed a major component of the UDF’s election campaign, are likely to be highlighted as part of the government’s welfare and social justice agenda.

Another key area of public interest is infrastructure development. Political observers and citizens alike are keen to see whether the government will unveil an alternative transportation project to replace the controversial SilverLine semi-high-speed rail proposal, which was scrapped by the UDF after coming to power.

The address is also expected to outline plans for completing major infrastructure projects, including the remaining stretches of National Highway development across the state and the next phase of the Vizhinjam International Seaport project. Measures to improve Kerala’s financial position, attract investment, generate employment, and strengthen public services are also likely to feature prominently in the policy statement.

As the first official policy declaration of the Satheesan government, the Governor’s address is expected to provide a comprehensive vision for Kerala’s development and governance over the coming years.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman