Policy address: Guv lays out UDF govt’s welfare push, reform plans

Thiruvananthapuram: Unveiling a broad roadmap for governance reforms, welfare expansion and economic revival, governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar on Friday said the new UDF govt would present a comprehensive white paper on the state’s finances and pursue a vision of “Puthuyuga Keralam” (New-Age Kerala) built on economic growth, social justice and accountable governance.

The address marked the first policy declaration of the Congress-led UDF govt after its return to power following a decade in the opposition. Stating that the state was facing severe fiscal stress, mounting liabilities, unemployment concerns, rising living costs and climate-related challenges, the governor said one of govt’s first decisions was to constitute an expert committee to prepare a white paper on the state’s finances. The document, he said, would provide a clear picture of fiscal obligations and lay the foundation for a transparent and responsible financial recovery strategy.

“The state today faces serious financial challenges. Outstanding liabilities and fiscal constraints have created severe pressure on public finances. My govt will face these realities with honesty and responsibility,” the governor said, while assuring that welfare programmes for the poor and vulnerable would continue without compromise.

A major highlight of the address was the formal incorporation of UDF’s election-time Indira Guarantees into the govt’s policy framework. The governor announced that free travel for women in KSRTC buses would be made a permanent entitlement across the state. College-going girls would receive Rs 1,000 a month as educational assistance, while the social security pension would be increased to Rs 3,000 per month.

Govt also announced the launch of the Oommen Chandy Aarogya Insurance Scheme, under which every family would be provided free annual health insurance coverage of up to Rs 25 lakh. Young entrepreneurs would be eligible for interest-free loans of up to Rs 5 lakh. The governor also announced the creation of a dedicated department for senior citizens, describing it as the first such initiative among Indian states.

On the economic front, govt announced an integrated development programme aimed at harnessing Kerala’s 600-km coastline, rivers, lakes and airports to transform the state into a port-led logistics and economic hub. Agriculture was identified as a priority sector, while a women farmers’ consortium will be launched to mobilise women into agricultural production, processing and marketing networks across the state.

In the education sector, govt promised to increase Plus Two seats wherever required, strengthen higher education institutions, create a statewide apprenticeship exchange platform and establish Jawaharlal Nehru Scientific Centres to nurture scientific temper among students. Efforts will also be made to reduce academic migration by creating globally competitive higher education institutions in the state.

Film tourism, pension and health insurance coverage for cultural workers above 60 years of age, digital art museums, and the expansion of the International Film Festival of Kerala to more cities were among the cultural initiatives announced.

On law and order, govt announced “Operation Toofaan”, a specialised police initiative aimed at dismantling drug networks through aggressive enforcement, asset seizure, cyber surveillance and interstate coordination. A dedicated State Narcotic Enforcement Bureau has also been proposed. The governor said Kerala’s future depended on collective effort, institutional trust and citizen participation, and called for cooperation from all sections of society.