THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, Kerala, May 19 (ANI): The Congress-led United Democratic Front government in Kerala on Tuesday announced the formation of a special committee to prepare a White Paper on the state’s financial condition.
Chief Minister V D Satheesan said the committee will be headed by former Cabinet Secretary K M Chandrasekhar, while Additional Chief Secretary (Finance) K R Jyothilal will serve as convener.
Economist Dr. Narayanan and Centre for Development Studies Director Dr. Veeramani have also been included as members of the panel.
The announcement comes a day after the new Cabinet, in its first meeting following the swearing-in ceremony, decided to release a White Paper to provide the public with a clear assessment of Kerala’s financial health.
During the run-up to the Assembly elections, the UDF repeatedly alleged financial mismanagement under the previous Left Democratic Front government led by former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
The Cabinet also announced the formation of a Special Investigation Team to probe alleged attacks on Congress leaders during the Nava Kerala Yatra led by Vijayan in 2023.
Addressing a press conference after the Cabinet meeting, Satheesan also outlined several welfare measures announced by the new government.
“The first Cabinet meeting has approved the implementation of the Indira guarantees promised by the UDF, including free bus travel in KSRTC buses from June 15. We are also creating a separate department for senior citizens, and the Cabinet has decided to increase payments to ASHA workers by Rs 3,000,” he said.
The Congress-led UDF officially assumed office in Kerala on Monday. Satheesan, 61, took oath as the state’s 13th Chief Minister during a ceremony held at Central Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram.
A special session of the state Assembly is scheduled for May 21, during which newly elected legislators will take oath. The Governor’s policy address is expected to be delivered on May 29. (ANI)
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