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Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 29 (IANS) Taking a comprehensive welfare measure ahead of the local body elections, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday announced a slew of new benefits targeting women, youth, pensioners and unorganized sector workers.
Addressing a press conference after the cabinet meeting, Vijayan said poor women, including transwomen, who are not covered under any existing welfare scheme, will get a new women protection pension of Rs 1,000 per month.
He also announced a monthly scholarship of Rs 1,000 for unemployed youth from families with an annual income of less than Rs 1 lakh, aimed at supporting those pursuing higher studies or skill training.
Welfare pension has been increased by Rs 400 from Rs 1,600 to Rs 2,000, benefiting lakhs of pensioners across the state. Kudumbashree ADS units will now get a grant of Rs 1,000 per month, while government employees will get an additional installment of Dearness Allowance (DA).
Pensioners will also benefit from the DA amendments that will come into effect in November.
The monthly honorarium of Anganwadi workers, helpers, literacy mission preraks and Asha workers has been increased by Rs 1,000.
The salaries of maids have also been increased by Rs 1,000, while the procurement price of paddy has been increased by Rs 30 per kg, providing relief to farmers facing rising costs.
The package – coming just days after the controversy over the PM-SHRI scheme and tensions within the ruling Left Democratic Front – underlines the government’s intention to strengthen grassroots support.
Finance Minister KN Balagopal said the new measures, estimated to cost around Rs 10,000 crore, will be implemented from November 1, Kerala Foundation Day.
Meanwhile, ASHA workers, while welcoming the hike, termed it inadequate and criticized the government for ignoring their long-pending demand for retirement benefits.
Union leader Mini said, “We will continue our protest.”
–IANS
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