Published May 18, 2026 | 5:10 PM ⚊ Updated May 18, 2026 | 5:10 PM
Kerala CM VD Satheesan. (X)
Synopsis: The Cabinet also decided to constitute a separate Department for the Welfare of Senior Citizens — a first-of-its-kind initiative in the state. Satheesan said the proposed department would be modelled on systems followed in Japan, with a focus on dignified ageing, healthcare access, social security, rehabilitation support and community-based care mechanisms for the elderly.
In the first major policy announcements of the newly sworn-in government, Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheesan on Monday, 18 May, unveiled two of the United Democratic Front’s much-publicised five guarantees, signalling what he described as a “people-centric and welfare-oriented beginning” to the new administration.
Addressing the media after the maiden Cabinet meeting, the Chief Minister announced that women would be allowed to travel free of cost in Kerala State Road Transport Corporation buses from 15 June.
The scheme is expected to benefit lakhs of daily commuters across the State and is being projected by the government as a major social welfare intervention aimed at easing household expenses and encouraging greater mobility for women.
Also Read: UDF’s Kerala comeback: Meet the veterans and fresh faces in CM VD Satheesan’s Cabinet
The Cabinet also decided to constitute a separate Department for the Welfare of Senior Citizens — a first-of-its-kind initiative in the state.
Satheesan said the proposed department would be modelled on systems followed in Japan, with a focus on dignified ageing, healthcare access, social security, rehabilitation support and community-based care mechanisms for the elderly.
“The number of senior citizens is increasing rapidly in Kerala. Their welfare needs focused institutional attention. We are studying international models, especially Japan, to develop a comprehensive department exclusively for them,” the Chief Minister said.
In another significant decision, the Cabinet approved an increase in incentives for ASHA workers and Anganwadi employees.
The monthly incentive for ASHA workers will be raised by ₹3,000, taking the total from the existing ₹9,000 to ₹12,000.
Meanwhile, Anganwadi workers will receive an additional ₹1,000 as part of the government’s welfare measures for frontline service providers.
The announcements came amid high expectations surrounding the new government’s first Cabinet meeting, with the UDF leadership seeking to demonstrate early movement on its electoral promises.
The government indicated that the remaining guarantees would also be rolled out in phases after detailed administrative and financial consultations.
Calling the Cabinet decisions “the first steps of a new governance approach”, Satheesan said the administration intended to prioritise welfare, inclusiveness and administrative reform from the outset.
The chief minister also added that the Cabinet will recommend Governor Rajendra Viswanath Arlekar to convene a special Assembly meet for the swearing in of newly elected MLAs.
The recommendation is to convene the meet on 21 May, where oath of MLAs will take place.
On 22 May election of Speaker will take place. On 29 May, prior to the approval of the Governor, the policy address will take place.
Senior legislator G Sudhakaran has been selected as the Pro-Term Speaker.
Also Read: VD Satheesan takes oath as Kerala chief minister as UDF returns to power after 10 years
(Edited by Sumavarsha, with inputs from Dileep V Kumar)
