Kerala Cabinet announces free women’s bus travel, ₹3,000 hike for ASHA workers

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Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheesan

In its first Cabinet meeting after assuming office on Monday, the Kerala government led by V D Satheesan announced a series of welfare measures, including free travel for women in KSRTC buses from June 15 and a ₹3,000 hike in the monthly honorarium of ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activists) workers.

The free bus travel scheme for women was one of the key promises in the UDF’s Assembly election manifesto. Likewise, the increase in the monthly honorarium of ASHA workers is expected to benefit thousands of workers who had repeatedly raised demands for better remuneration and service benefits.

It was also decided to bring a white paper on the financial condition of the state.

Ministry for senior citizens

Speaking to reporters after the first Cabinet meeting, the Chief Minister also announced the formation of a separate department for elderly people, modelled on international best practices, including systems followed in Japan. The government will undertake a detailed study for setting up a dedicated ministry for senior citizens as Kerala faces the challenges of a rapidly ageing population.

The Cabinet also decided to increase the monthly honorarium of Anganwadi workers and helpers by ₹1,000. Wages of cooking staff in schools, pre-primary teachers and ayahs were also raised by ₹1,000.

The Cabinet recommended to the Governor that the new Assembly session be convened. The swearing-in of elected MLAs will take place on May 21, the Speaker will be elected on May 22, and the Governor’s policy address will be delivered on May 29.

The government also appointed Jaju Babu as the new Advocate General and T Ashraf Ali as the Director General of Prosecution.