Thiruvananthapuram, May 29 (IANS). The Congress-led UDF government in Kerala on Friday ushered in a new political phase. The government led by Chief Minister VD Satheesan presented its first policy speech in the Assembly, which included big promises, glimpses of economic challenges and initial tensions with the Raj Bhavan.
This policy speech was read by Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar in the first session of the 16th Kerala Assembly in 73 minutes. The session itself started with controversy. The police band played only the initial part of “Vande Mataram” to welcome the Governor, while the Raj Bhavan had asked for the entire song to be played in the rehearsal. The government decided not to play it in full as per the old tradition, which led to tension between the government and the Raj Bhavan.
The government said that it will soon release a white paper on the economic condition of the state, which will have complete information about the debt and financial condition. Its purpose is to make people aware of the real economic situation of the state. The move is widely seen as an attempt to prepare the public for tough economic decisions to come, while also helping the government justify its aggressive welfare and developmental plans.
The policy speech repeatedly referred to the UDF’s election agenda ‘Indira Guarantee’ and said that all key promises would be fulfilled.
These include announcements like increase in welfare pension, formation of a separate department for senior citizens and scholarships in higher education for economically weaker students.
The government also reiterated that free travel for women in KSRTC buses will be implemented across the state from June 15, one of its most popular announcements.
As part of the larger infrastructure, the government planned an integrated transport system linking road, water and air transport. The speech also talked about reforms in excise policy, expansion of Plus One seats, stronger intervention in areas prone to human-wildlife conflict and agricultural reforms, including scientific soil testing system and women farmer unions.
The government reiterated its commitment towards corruption-free and secular governance and said that communal and divisive politics will have no place in Kerala.
–IANS
ACH/VC