Satheesan announces hike for ASHAs; new dept for senior citizens

T'puram: Chief minister V D Satheesan announced a series of welfare measures and key policy decisions after the first cabinet meeting of the new UDF govt, which include implementation of free travel for women in KSRTC buses, wage hike for frontline workers and the formation of a separate department for senior citizens.Addressing his first press conference after swearing in as chief minister, Satheesan said two major Indira Guarantees would be implemented immediately. The govt will roll out free travel for women in KSRTC buses from June 15. He also announced the creation of a dedicated department for senior citizens, describing it as the first such initiative in the country. "The protection of senior citizens is essential for building a civilised society," the CM said, adding that the proposed department was conceived with a long-term vision. The cabinet also approved an increase in remuneration for several categories of workers. ASHAs will receive an additional Rs 3,000, raising their monthly honorarium from Rs 9,000 to Rs 12,000. The govt also announced changes to retirement benefits for ASHAs, with Satheesan stating that further increases would be considered depending on the state's financial position. The CM said the govt was honouring its commitment made to ASHAs during their agitation and described the latest increase as only the first phase of support measures. Anganwadi workers and helpers will receive a Rs 1,000 hike in remuneration, while pre-primary teachers, ayahs and cooking workers will also get an increase of Rs 1,000 each. Satheesan acknowledged that the increase was modest and said more support would be extended as the financial situation improves.The govt will also publish a white paper on the state's financial condition, for which an expert committee will be constituted comprising not just officials but financial experts. Nava Kerala Yatra assaultIn another key decision, the govt ordered a reinvestigation into the alleged assault on Youth Congress and KSU activists by the gunmen of former CM Pinarayi Vijayan during the Nava Kerala Yatra when it reached Alappuzha. The CM said a special investigation team (SIT) would probe the incident. The assault allegedly occurred when activists waved black flags during the yatra, with visuals of the incident soon going public. The matter triggered political controversy after opposition leaders accused the previous govt of shielding those involved. Police registered a case against the gunmen following court intervention. Although the court ordered a reinvestigation into the incident, the previous govt was not interested in that. Hence, now the UDF govt has ordered a reinvestigation, he said.AppointmentsThe cabinet appointed T Asaf Ali as the director general of prosecution, raplacing T A Shaji. Similarly, Jaju Babu will come in place of K Gopalakrishna Kurup as new advocate general. Assembly sessionG Sudhakaran, the senior-most member in the assembly, will serve as pro-tem speaker. The assembly session will begin on May 21, with the swearing-in of MLAs scheduled the same day. Speaker election will be held on May 22 and the policy address of the new govt on May 29.