V D Satheesan government likely to announce major welfare measures in first cabinet meeting

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The new UDF government led by V. D. Satheesan is expected to begin its term by announcing several welfare schemes promised during the election campaign.

According to indications, the first cabinet meeting to be held on Monday after the swearing-in ceremony may announce a series of public welfare measures. These are expected to include free travel for women in KSRTC buses, an increase in the daily wages of ASHA workers to at least Rs 700, new health schemes, and loan support for youth entrepreneurs. Sources said the Chief Secretary has already prepared the agenda for the meeting.

The government estimates that the free travel scheme for women in KSRTC buses could cost an additional Rs 90 crore per month. Even if the scheme is limited to ordinary and fast passenger buses, the expense is expected to be around Rs 60 crore monthly. Around 45 percent of KSRTC’s daily passengers, estimated at 23 lakh people, are women. The government is considering allowing free travel in all services except reserved and super-class buses. Officials are also exploring ways to meet the extra expense through increased advertising revenue and additional services.

The UDF had promised to raise the daily wage of ASHA workers to at least Rs 700. Towards the end of the previous LDF government’s term, the monthly honorarium for ASHA workers had already been increased by Rs 1,000. Providing the revised benefits to 26,125 ASHA workers would reportedly create an additional annual expense of Rs 250 crore. A further monthly increase of Rs 3,000 in the current honorarium would require around Rs 94.05 crore annually.

Indira Canteens and Vigilance Commission likely

• The government may also announce Indira Canteens in urban areas, offering three meals a day for Rs 50. Lunch is expected to cost Rs 30, while breakfast and dinner may be priced at Rs 10 each. Kochi already has an Indira Canteen model.
• A Vigilance Commission may also be formed to tackle corruption at the administrative level. Satheesan reportedly held discussions with Vigilance chief Manoj Abraham on Friday. Measures for granting unconditional land titles to farmers may also be announced.
• The government is also expected to launch the ‘Break the Drug Chain’ project under the leadership of a senior IPS officer as part of an anti-drug campaign in Kerala. Another major promise likely to be announced is a housing project aimed at providing homes to five lakh people within five years. The Karunya and Shruthi Tharangam schemes are also expected to be revived.

New departments planned

The UDF government had earlier announced plans to create new departments for the welfare of senior citizens and youth development. It is also expected to implement plans for a ‘Ministry of Tolerance’ to promote communal harmony and a separate ‘Peace and Harmony’ department aimed at strengthening social unity in the state.