Kerala's Left Government Unveils Financial Measures Ahead of Elections

As local body elections approach in Kerala, the Left government, led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, has rolled out an array of financial measures on Wednesday. These initiatives include raising welfare pensions, increasing honorariums for ASHA workers, and launching a women's security scheme, designed to broaden social support across the state.

At a Cabinet meeting chaired by Vijayan, it was announced that social security and welfare pensions would rise from Rs 1,600 to Rs 2,000, ASHA workers' honorariums would increase by Rs 1,000 monthly, and a new scheme would support financially burdened women. These changes will take effect from November 1, despite financial constraints imposed by the central government.

The opposition has criticized the timing of these announcements, suggesting they are strategically intended to gain favor in upcoming elections. State Finance Minister K N Balagopal, however, countered these claims, emphasizing the commitment to the welfare of the people, irrespective of political implications.