Nava Kerala Sadas Led the Way: LDF Government Announces Three New Schemes

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government has announced three new welfare schemes focusing on women’s safety, youth employment, and community development, following extensive consultations held during the Nava Kerala Sadas outreach programme. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the new initiatives reflect the feedback and suggestions gathered directly from people across the state.

Under the Sthree Suraksha Scheme (Women’s Safety Scheme), women from poor families, including trans women, who are not covered under any existing social welfare programme will receive monthly financial assistance. Women aged between 35 and 60 years belonging to the AAY (yellow card) and PHH (pink card) categories and not receiving any pension will be eligible for a monthly assistance of 1,000 rupees. The scheme is expected to benefit 31.34 lakh women, with an annual allocation of 3,800 crore rupees.

To support educated youth seeking employment, the state will introduce a Connect to Work Scholarship. Youth aged 18 to 30 years from families with an annual income below one lakh rupees will receive a monthly stipend of 1,000 rupees while pursuing skill development courses or preparing for job and competitive examinations after completing Plus Two, ITI, diploma, or degree studies. The programme is expected to benefit around five lakh young people, with the government setting aside 600 crore rupees annually.

The government has also decided to grant a monthly operational allowance of 1,000 rupees to each of the 19,470 Area Development Societies (ADS) functioning under the Kudumbashree network. Established in 1997, Kudumbashree operates through a three-tier structure of neighbourhood groups, ADSs, and Community Development Societies (CDS) and is recognised as one of the largest women’s self-help networks globally. The new grant will require an annual allocation of 23.4 crore rupees.

Vijayan said the decisions were made after the government’s state-wide Nava Kerala Sadas consultations, during which representatives from various social and economic groups shared their concerns and suggestions.