Kerala CM VD Satheeshan clears free bus ride for women, new department for elderly, salary hike for ASHA workers in first Cabinet meeting

Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheesan on Monday held his first cabinet meeting, clearing a series of welfare measures the Congress party had promised before elections.

Soon after taking oath, CM Satheesan okayed the implementation of the free bus ride scheme for women from June 15.

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Another major decision taken by the Kerala CM in his first cabinet was the announcement of a new department for elderly people, probably the first of its kind initiative in the country.

The department will ensure dedicated schemes for the elderly people in line with the world-class support and care facilities in Japan.

“A key yardstick of a civilized society is the life of elderly people. By improving the quality of life of elderly people, Kerala should be able to showcase itself as a highly civilized society,” Satheesan told reporters.

He further stated that key modalities of the free bus scheme shall be completed within the due course.

Moreover, the Satheesan Cabinet also decided to hike the remuneration of Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) workers by Rs 3,000. Besides, the salaries of Anganwadi workers, helpers, cooking staff in schools and pre-primary school teachers have also been increased by Rs 1,000.

The state government will consider a further hike in their remuneration in the near future once the financial health of the state government improves.

The new UDF government will also publish a White Paper on the financial health of the state.

Earlier today, VD Satheesan took oath as the new Chief Minister of Kerala. Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar administered the oath of office and secrecy to Satheesan and his 20-member Cabinet.

The glittering swearing-in ceremony was attended by top Congress leaders, including the party’s national president Mallikarjun Kharge, Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi among others.