Thiruvananthapuram: In a sweeping set of welfare measures unveiled ahead of the upcoming local body elections, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan announced a significant hike in the state’s welfare pension and introduced a new monthly financial aid scheme for women.
The welfare pension has been raised from ₹1,600 to ₹2,000 per month, offering much-needed relief to millions of beneficiaries across the state. Alongside this, the government will launch a “Women’s Safety Pension” — a monthly assistance of ₹1,000 aimed at supporting financially vulnerable women, including transgender women. The initiative is expected to benefit over 3.3 million (33 lakh) women.
The Chief Minister also announced a ₹1,000 hike in the honorarium for Anganwadi workers and helpers, and fixed the honorarium for literacy mission instructors (Saksharatha preraks) at ₹1,000 per month.
In another key decision, the cabinet has decided to reassess Kerala’s participation in the PM SHRI school project, following widespread debate and public concern. A seven-member subcommittee has been formed to review the agreement with the central government and submit recommendations.
Pending the report, all further actions under the PM SHRI project have been suspended, and the Union Government will be formally notified of the state’s decision.
The review panel includes K. Rajan, Roshy Augustine, P. Rajeev, V. Sivankutty, P. Prasad, A.K. Saseendran, and K. Krishnankutty.
This comprehensive welfare package underscores the state government’s focus on social security, gender inclusion, and public welfare as Kerala moves toward the next phase of local governance.
