All 5 ‘Indira Guarantees’ will be met; transforming Kerala into a port hub is our dream: CM Satheesan

Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan on Friday said that his newly formed United Democratic Front (UDF) government is fully committed to implementing all five “Indira Guarantees” promised during the election campaign.

Speaking to the media here on Friday after Governor Rajendra Arlekar’s maiden policy address to the 16th State Legislative Assembly, Chief Minister Satheesan emphasised that transforming the entire state of Kerala into a premier, interconnected global port city remains the government’s ultimate dream project.

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The Chief Minister said that while all five welfare benchmarks are absolute commitments, they are being introduced systematically due to fiscal evaluations.

He said the first cabinet meeting immediately approved free KSRTC bus travel for all women and the creation of India’s first dedicated welfare department for senior citizens. The remaining guarantees —including Rs 1,000 monthly financial aid for college-going girls, an increase in welfare pensions to Rs 3,000, Rs 25 lakh household health insurance, and Rs 5 lakh interest-free youth business loans — will roll out incrementally after reviewing the state’s financial health.

Satheesan said the government is launching a coordinated mega-project that links Kerala’s two international seaports, one major container terminal, and 17 mini-ports. The framework intends to maximise the state’s 600-kilometre Arabian Sea coastline by integrating coastal shipping, robust cargo logistics, cruise shipping, and inland backwater networks, he said, and added that Kerala will be made the largest aviation hub in South Asia.

Chief Minister Satheesan said the state government has no role in the raids carried out by the ED on Wednesday. He said the agency was taking action as part of the investigation into a case registered earlier by them. They have not informed the government about the raid. The Chief Minister said that despite not receiving any notification, the police were able to defuse the tension there.