The newly sworn-in United Democratic Front (UDF) government is set to hold its Cabinet meeting on Monday to approve the draft of the Governor’s policy address ahead of the upcoming Kerala Assembly session. The Governor is expected to present the policy address in the Legislative Assembly on May 29, while the discussion on the motion of thanks has been scheduled for June 3.
Along with finalising the policy address, the Cabinet is also expected to review the implementation of the government’s recently announced welfare measures. Discussions are likely to focus on the growing dissatisfaction within sections of the Cabinet over the recent IAS reshuffle and the appointment of former Chief Electoral Officer Rathan U Kelkar as secretary to Chief Minister V D Satheesan.
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According to sources, several ministers are reportedly unhappy about the transfer of IAS officers without prior consultation. The reshuffle involved the transfer of 16 senior officers, including six district collectors, triggering internal concerns over administrative coordination within the new government.
Kelkar’s appointment has also sparked political controversy, with the CPM, CPI, BJP and SDPI accusing the Congress-led UDF of adopting double standards regarding the appointment of former election officials to key government positions. Opposition leaders pointed out that the Congress had earlier criticised similar appointments in BJP-ruled states, particularly in West Bengal.
Another major issue expected to come up during the meeting is the proposed free travel scheme for women in KSRTC buses, which is scheduled to be implemented from June 15. The Cabinet is likely to deliberate on the operational challenges, financial implications and implementation guidelines of the scheme, as officials assess the additional burden it may place on the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation.
