Wednesday's welfare blitz appears designed to reset the public narrative and restore the government’s pro-people image.
Published Oct 30, 2025 | 7:00 AM ⚊ Updated Oct 30, 2025 | 7:00 AM
Pinarayi Vijayan. (X)
Synopsis: Ahead of local body polls, Kerala government rolled out welfare packages. However, it is being considered as a move to repair image after PM SHRI row, and Sabarimala gold controversy.
With the local body elections looming large and the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) facing mounting criticism over recent controversies, including the PM SHRI scheme signing and the missing Sabarimala gold case, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday, 29 October, unveiled a massive slew of welfare and financial measures — seen widely as a pre-poll push to reconnect with the electorate.
The announcements, made at a press conference in Thiruvananthapuram, mark one of the government’s most expansive welfare packages in recent years.
The highlight was the hike in welfare pensions from ₹1,600 to ₹2,000 per month, benefiting thousands of the state’s economically weaker citizens.
Alongside, Vijayan announced a new Women’s Safety Pension Scheme, providing ₹1,000 per month to 31.34 lakh women aged 35–60 from poor families, including trans women, who are not covered under any existing welfare scheme. The state will allocate ₹3,800 crore annually for this initiative.
The chief minister also introduced a “Connect to Work” scholarship, aimed at addressing youth unemployment. Under the scheme, young men and women aged 18–30 pursuing skill training or preparing for competitive exams will receive ₹1,000 per month, with the government earmarking ₹600 crore annually for five lakh beneficiaries.
“These are not charity measures; they are part of our ongoing commitment to social justice and inclusive growth,” Vijayan said, adding that Kerala is being declared the first state in India to eradicate extreme poverty.
The package extends to multiple sectors and welfare boards, with a string of financial sweeteners:
It has to be considered that the timing of the package — just days before Kerala Piravi (November 1) and months before the local body elections — is no coincidence.
After the backlash over the secretive signing of the Centre’s PM SHRI agreement and the embarrassment caused by the missing gold from the Sabarimala temple, the LDF government has been on the defensive.
Wednesday’s welfare blitz appears designed to reset the public narrative and restore the government’s pro-people image.
Interestingly, the chief minister did not shy away from acknowledging the financial strain on the state, citing the Centre’s “economic sanctions” and the “right-wing’s propaganda machinery”.
“Despite the fiscal challenges, the government’s foremost priority remains people’s welfare,” he asserted.
According to government estimates, the new and enhanced schemes together will cost the exchequer several thousand crores annually, but the Chief Minister maintained that “Kerala’s development model is not about numbers — it’s about humanity.”
All the new benefits and revisions will come into effect from November 1 — Kerala Piravi Day which the Chief Minister described as symbolic of “a new phase in people’s governance.”
While opposition parties are expected to question the fiscal prudence and political intent behind the announcements, for now, the ruling front seems intent on delivering a strong welfare-centric message.
(Edited by Sumavarsha, with inputs from Dileep V Kumar)
