Kerala CM VD Satheesan’s First Big Decision: Free Bus Travel For Women, ₹3,000 Hike For ASHA Workers

The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) government in Kerala began its tenure with a series of major welfare announcements on Monday, including free KSRTC bus travel for women, a dedicated department for elderly welfare, and a hike in honorariums for ASHA workers and other welfare staff. The decisions were taken during the first Cabinet meeting chaired by newly sworn-in Chief Minister V D Satheesan.

Satheesan, who took oath earlier in the day, said the government was committed to implementing promises made during the election campaign and ensuring inclusive welfare measures across the state.

Free Bus Travel For Women, Welfare Measures Announced

One of the key decisions taken by the Cabinet was to provide free travel for women in KSRTC buses, a move aimed at easing travel expenses and improving mobility across Kerala.

The government also approved a ₹3,000 monthly increase in the honorarium of ASHA workers. The decision comes after months of protest by ASHA workers outside the Secretariat demanding better wages and benefits.

Apart from ASHA workers, the Cabinet announced a monthly increase of ₹1,000 each for Anganwadi workers and helpers, school cooking staff, pre-primary teachers and ayahs.

Kerala To Get Dedicated Elderly Welfare Department

The newly formed government also decided to establish a separate department focused on elderly welfare. Speaking about the initiative, Satheesan stressed the need to ensure dignity and proper care for senior citizens in the state.

"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," he said.

The Cabinet's welfare-focused decisions were among the first major policy announcements after the UDF returned to power in Kerala following a decade in opposition.

SIT To Probe Nava Kerala Yatra Attack Allegations

The Cabinet also approved the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the alleged attack on Youth Congress leaders during the Nava Kerala Yatra in 2023.

The move is being viewed as one of the first significant administrative decisions by the new government, which had earlier promised action on the issue during the election campaign.

In another decision, the Cabinet recommended senior MLA G Sudhakaran as the pro-tem Speaker. The government has also requested the Governor to convene the Assembly session for the swearing-in of MLAs and the election of the Speaker.

According to the schedule announced by the government, MLAs will take oath on May 21, while the Speaker election will take place on May 22.

Rahul Gandhi Congratulates New Kerala Government

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi congratulated Satheesan and the new Cabinet after the swearing-in ceremony held in Thiruvananthapuram.

In a post on X, Rahul Gandhi said the UDF's victory reflected the people's mandate and expressed confidence in the new administration.

"The people of Keralam fought for this government. Their voice will guide it. Warm congratulations to V.D. Satheesan ji and the entire cabinet, who will now represent the voice of every Keralite," he wrote.

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 Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and K C Venugopal.

The swearing-in ceremony marked the return of the Congress-led UDF government in Kerala after 10 years, following its sweeping victory in the 2026 Assembly elections.