Thiruvananthapuram

Keralam Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar on Friday delivered the first policy address of the 16th State Legislative Assembly, presenting the maiden policy roadmap of the newly elected United Democratic Front (UDF) government headed by Chief Minister VD Satheesan.

The Governor was welcomed at the Assembly by Speaker Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan, Chief Minister Satheesan and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Sunny Joseph, among other dignitaries.

In a significant shift from earlier political narratives, the Governor’s address did not contain any criticism of the Union government.

During his speech, Arlekar stressed the need for urgent reforms in the public sector and said the state government would intensify efforts to secure financial assistance and equitable treatment from the Centre. He also outlined the government’s vision of transforming Keralam into a major port-led economic hub.

“My Government will implement an integrated development programme utilising the potential of Kerala’s 600.15-km coastline, 44 rivers, 34 lakes and four international airports. The aim is to develop the State into an integrated port-led hub,” he said.

The Governor also announced the implementation of the “Indira Guarantees”, a set of flagship welfare promises made by the UDF during the Assembly election campaign.

The initiatives include free travel for women in KSRTC buses, a monthly allowance of Rs 1,000 for female college students, enhancement of welfare pensions to Rs 3,000 per month, health insurance coverage of up to Rs 25 lakh per household in memory of former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, and interest-free loans up to Rs 5 lakh for young entrepreneurs.

“Kerala’s youth are ambitious, educated and capable. This initiative will provide them with the seed capital needed to realise their potential within the state rather than seeking opportunities abroad,” the Governor said.

Highlighting the government’s anti-drug campaign, Arlekar said the police would launch “Operation Toofaan” to dismantle narcotics networks in the state.

“Our focus is to use laws such as the NDPS Act and PIT-NDPS Act to freeze assets, break inter-state supply chains and build a strong protective shield around society,” he said.

The Governor also announced the formation of an expert committee to prepare a White Paper on the state’s finances to ensure transparency and fiscal accountability.

“The people of Kerala deserve clarity on the actual financial condition of the State, including liabilities, pending commitments and fiscal obligations,” he said, adding that the document would lay the groundwork for a responsible financial recovery plan.

Despite financial constraints, the government would continue prioritising welfare measures, including pensions, public healthcare, educational support and social security schemes, he said.

Arlekar further announced projects such as the Malabar Temple Pilgrimage Project and the EASY Darshan initiative aimed at improving pilgrimage tourism and ensuring environmentally responsible and safe temple visits.

The government also plans to introduce a unified registration portal for migrant workers to streamline welfare and departmental services.

In a first for the Keralam Assembly, proceedings began with an instrumental rendition of “Vande Mataram” performed by the police band.

The Governor also noted that the new Cabinet, in its very first meeting, decided to establish a dedicated department for senior citizens’ welfare — the first such initiative by any state government in the country.

He referred to several decisions taken during the Cabinet meeting on May 20, including increases in honorariums for ASHA workers, Anganwadi staff, school cooking workers, pre-primary teachers and ayahs.

The government also approved free KSRTC travel for women from June 15 and constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe alleged attacks on Congress workers during the 2023 Nava Kerala Yatra led by former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

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The Congress-led UDF returned to power after a decade, with VD Satheesan taking oath as Keralam’s 13th Chief Minister at a public ceremony held in Thiruvananthapuram earlier this week.