The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) government in Kerala rolled out a series of welfare measures on Monday during its first Cabinet meeting, chaired by Chief Minister V D Satheesan.
The announcements came just hours after Satheesan took oath as the state’s new chief minister following the UDF’s return to power after a decade.
Free KSRTC travel for women announced
One of the key decisions taken by the new government was the introduction of free travel for women in Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses, per a report by Hindustan Times. The move was part of the promises made by the UDF during the Assembly election campaign.
Also Read | What helped VD Satheesan edge past KC Venugopal in the Keralam CM contest? Here's what we know
According to reports cited by Hindustan Times, the scheme is expected to begin from June 15, though the government said detailed guidelines will be announced later. The welfare measure is aimed at easing travel expenses for women across the state.
The #UDF Government has walked the talk. In our very first Cabinet meeting, we approved a 3,000 hike in the honorarium for #ASHAworkers and created a dedicated portfolio for the welfare of the elderly.
” V D Satheesan (@vdsatheesan) May 18, 2026
Honorarium hikes for #Anganwadi workers, cooking workers, pre-primary
₹3,000 hike approved for ASHA workers
The Cabinet also approved a ₹3,000 increase in the monthly honorarium of ASHA workers. The decision comes after months of protests by ASHA workers demanding better pay and benefits.
Apart from ASHA workers, the government announced a monthly increase of ₹1,000 each for Anganwadi workers and helpers, school cooking staff, pre-primary teachers, and ayahs. The announcements were presented as part of the government’s focus on welfare measures for grassroots workers.
New department planned for elderly welfare
The Satheesan government also announced plans to create a separate department dedicated to the welfare of senior citizens. Speaking after the Cabinet meeting, the chief minister said, “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", as per Hindustan Times.
Also Read | Tamil Nadu cabinet portfolios out; Vijay keeps home and police control
The people of Keralam fought for this government. Their voice will guide it.
” Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 18, 2026
Warm congratulations to V.D. Satheesan ji and the entire cabinet, who will now represent the voice of every Keralite.
Thanks to K.C. Venugopal ji, who led this campaign from the frontlines.
This pic.twitter.com/Rbty1zftU8
SIT to probe 2023 attack case
In another major decision, the Cabinet approved the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the alleged attack on Youth Congress leaders during the Nava Kerala Yatra in 2023.
Earlier in the day, Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar administered the oath of office to Satheesan and his 20-member Cabinet in the presence of senior Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.
