The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) government in Kerala on Tuesday announced the formation of a special committee tasked with preparing a White Paper on the state's financial condition. Chief Minister VD Satheesan stated that the committee will be headed by former cabinet secretary KM Chandrasekhar, with additional chief secretary (finance) KR Jyothilal serving as convener.
Economist Dr. Narayanan and Centre for Development Studies (CDS) director Dr. Veeramare are the other members of the committee, Satheesan added.
This announcement follows a cabinet meeting held after the swearing-in ceremony of the new government. Satheesan had earlier indicated the need for a White Paper to provide citizens with a clear picture of Kerala's financial health. During the election campaign, the UDF had criticized the previous Left Democratic Front (LDF) government for alleged mismanagement of state finances.
In addition to the White Paper committee, the cabinet also decided to constitute a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe attacks on Congress leaders during the Nava Kerala Yatra led by former chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan in 2023.
Satheesan, addressing a press conference after the cabinet meeting, outlined several key decisions: "The first Cabinet meeting to bring Indira guarantees given by UDF—a free bus journey in KSRTC buses from June 15. We are going to constitute a new department for old aged persons. The cabinet has decided to increase payment to Asha workers by Rs 3000."
The Congress-led UDF officially assumed power in Kerala on Monday. In a grand ceremony at the Central Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram, 61-year-old VD Satheesan took the oath of office and secrecy as the state's 13th chief minister.
A special assembly session is scheduled for May 21, during which MLAs will be sworn in. The governor's policy declaration is set for May 29.
