• Source:JND

Ending a ten-year hiatus, the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) officially assumed power in Keralam on Monday. In the first Cabinet meeting chaired by newly sworn-in Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan on Monday, the UDF government announced free KSRTC bus travel for women, the creation of a dedicated department for elderly welfare, and increase in the honorarium of ASHA workers.

The Chief Minister said the Cabinet approved a Rs 3,000 monthly hike in the honorarium of ASHA workers, fulfilling a promise made during their prolonged protest outside the Secretariat.

He also announced that women will be allowed to travel free of cost on Kerala State Road Transport Corporation buses from June 15, with detailed guidelines to be announced in the coming days.

In addition, the government approved a monthly hike of Rs 1,000 each for Anganwadi workers and helpers, school cooking staff, pre-primary teachers and ayahs.

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‘Kerala should become a model civilised society’: CM

"A society is judged by how it treats its elderly citizens. Kerala should become a model civilised society by ensuring dignified care for senior citizens," he said.

The Cabinet also recommended senior MLA G Sudhakaran as the pro-tem Speaker and requested the Governor to convene the Assembly for the swearing-in of MLAs and the election of the Speaker.

Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi congratulated Satheesan and his Cabinet following their swearing-in ceremony in Thiruvananthapuram, saying the new government would be guided by the voice of the people.

In a post on X, Rahul Gandhi said the Congress-led United Democratic Front victory reflected the people’s mandate and expressed confidence in the new administration.

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"The people of Keralam fought for this government. Their voice will guide it. Warm congratulations to V.D. Satheesan ji and the entire cabinet, who will now represent the voice of every Keralite," he wrote.

The Assembly elections to the 140-member House were held on April 9, with results declared on May 4. The Congress-led UDF won 102 seats, the LDF secured 35, and the BJP won 3.


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