THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The government has announced a huge increase in social welfare pension in Kerala. An increase of Rs 400 per month has been announced. With this, the welfare pension amount will increase from Rs 1600 to Rs 2000. The honorarium of ASHA workers has also been increased by Rs 1000. There is good news for government officials as well. The DA has been increased by one instalment.

The Chief Minister also announced a special pension for women. The Women's Security Pension Scheme has been introduced. The government will spend Rs 3800 crore for this. The scheme will provide a pension of Rs 1000 to women aged 35 to 60 who are currently not covered under any social security pension scheme and who are from economically weak families.