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Kerala Cabinet Approves Free Bus Travel for Women
The newly formed United Democratic Front government in Kerala has approved free travel for women in state transport buses and announced wage hikes for ASHA and Anganwadi workers during its first Cabinet meeting.
The newly sworn-in government led by Chief Minister V D Satheesan in Kerala has decided to introduce free travel for women passengers in state transport buses.
Speaking to the media after the first Cabinet meeting of the new United Democratic Front (UDF) ministry, Satheesan said detailed guidelines and implementation plans for the scheme would be announced later.
The chief minister also said the Kerala Assembly session would be convened on May 21 for the oath-taking of newly elected members and the election of the Speaker.
Among the other key decisions taken during the first Cabinet meeting was an increase in wages for ASHA workers, Anganwadi workers, helpers, and cooking workers.
The announcements are being viewed as some of the first major welfare measures introduced by the new government after assuming office.
Satheesan also informed that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) would be formed to reinvestigate allegations that gunmen attached to the former chief minister had attacked protesters in Alappuzha last year.
The chief minister asserted that the decision to order a reinvestigation was not politically motivated and said the government intended to ensure a fair inquiry into the matter.
The decisions taken during the first Cabinet meeting are expected to shape the early policy direction of the new Kerala government, particularly in areas related to welfare, public transport, and governance.