Newly sworn-in VD Satheesan took major welfare decisions in his very first Cabinet meeting on Monday, announcing free KSRTC bus travel for women and a ₹3,000 increase in the honorarium of ASHA workers across Kerala.
The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) government moved quickly to implement several promises made during the 2026 Assembly election campaign, signalling a strong welfare-focused start after returning to power following a decade in opposition.
Free KSRTC Travel for Women Announced
One of the biggest announcements made by the new Kerala government was free travel for women in KSRTC buses. The move is expected to benefit lakhs of women commuters across the state and improve access to education, jobs and public services.
The decision fulfills one of the UDF’s major election guarantees and is likely to become a flagship welfare initiative of the Satheesan government.
₹3,000 Honorarium Hike for ASHA Workers
The Cabinet also approved a ₹3,000 monthly increase in the honorarium of ASHA workers, addressing a long-standing demand raised during protests outside the Secretariat.
Satheesan said the government remains committed to recognising the contribution of frontline healthcare workers and improving their financial security.
In addition, the Kerala government announced a ₹1,000 monthly increase for Anganwadi workers, helpers, school cooking staff, pre-primary teachers and ayahs.
Kerala to Create Dedicated Elderly Welfare Department
The new Chief Minister also announced plans for a separate department focused on elderly welfare.
Speaking after the Cabinet meeting, Satheesan said a society is judged by how it treats senior citizens and stressed that Kerala should become a “model civilised society” by ensuring dignity and care for the elderly population.
The government plans to strengthen welfare services, healthcare access and social support systems for senior citizens through the new initiative.
SIT Ordered in Nava Kerala Yatra Attack Case
The Cabinet further decided to form a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the alleged attack on Youth Congress leaders during the Nava Kerala Yatra in 2023.
The decision indicates that the new government intends to revisit several politically sensitive incidents that took place during the previous administration.
Rahul Gandhi Congratulates New Kerala Government
Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi congratulated Satheesan and his Cabinet after the swearing-in ceremony in Thiruvananthapuram.
In a social media message, Rahul Gandhi said the new administration would represent the voice of every Keralite and work according to the mandate given by the people.
Satheesan and his 20-member Cabinet were sworn in earlier in the day in the presence of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and senior party leaders.
The UDF returned to power after securing a sweeping victory in the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections, ending the Left Democratic Front’s ten-year rule in the state.
