Kerala Cabinet Approves Major Amnesty Scheme for Traffic Violation Fines
The Kerala state cabinet, convening in a late Saturday evening session in Thiruvananthapuram, has taken a significant decision to grant a 50% amnesty on all pending traffic violation fines issued through e-challans. This strategic move is specifically designed to address the escalating backlog of unresolved cases and to incentivize vehicle owners across the state to settle their outstanding dues promptly.
Details of the Traffic Fine Amnesty Scheme
The amnesty scheme applies comprehensively to all traffic violations that were recorded up to December 31, 2024. Vehicle owners can avail themselves of the substantial 50% reduction in the total penalty amount, provided the payment is completed on or before the deadline of April 30, 2026. This initiative follows a formal recommendation from the state's transport commissioner, who highlighted a growing reluctance among vehicle owners to settle e-challans. The commissioner noted that this reluctance often stems from multiple violations accumulating against a single vehicle, leading to substantial total fines that become financially burdensome.
As the volume of e-challan cases has surged dramatically in recent years, the judicial system has concurrently witnessed a significant increase in pending traffic-related court cases. The newly approved amnesty scheme is expected to serve as a powerful mechanism to clear a large proportion of these pending violations, thereby alleviating pressure on both vehicle owners and the court system.
Expansion of Farmer Pension and Crop Loss Assistance
In a parallel development focused on agricultural welfare, the cabinet has decided to substantially expand the existing monthly pension scheme for small and marginal farmers. The scheme, which provides Rs 2,000 per month, will now be extended to an additional 10,115 farmers who have turned 60 years of age after the year 2021. To facilitate this expansion, the cabinet has approved a dedicated allocation of Rs 24.276 crore. Furthermore, the agriculture principal secretary has been directed to conduct a thorough examination of an additional 2,225 pension applications that were recently submitted to the agriculture department director, with instructions to ensure a time-bound decision-making process. Currently, the pension scheme benefits 6,201 farmers across Kerala.
The cabinet also addressed critical financial support for farmers affected by crop losses. It has cleared pending dues amounting to Rs 76.68 crore under the emergency crop loss relief scheme, covering the period from October 2021. This financial assistance is set to benefit a total of 150,267 farmers. Additionally, pending payments worth Rs 43.19 crore under the state crop insurance scheme, accumulated since June 2024, will be released to 18,171 farmers. These funds will be drawn directly from the state's agricultural development fund.
Rehabilitation, Education, and Infrastructure Initiatives
In the realm of disaster rehabilitation, the cabinet has approved the construction of houses for 13 families who were adversely affected by the Mundakkai–Chooralmala landslide. The construction will take place at the Punchirimattam, Erattukundu, and Village Road settlements, following the established model used in the earlier Wayanad township rehabilitation project. The Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFCON) will act as the employer's representative for this initiative, while ULCCS Limited will execute the project as the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contractor.
To strengthen the educational framework, the cabinet has sanctioned the creation of 1,857 additional teacher posts in government and aided schools, based on the staff fixation for the 2025-26 academic year. This allocation includes 655 posts in government schools and 1,202 posts in aided schools, with retrospective effect from October 1, 2025.
Regarding water infrastructure, the cabinet has granted permission for the signing of contracts for 10 crucial drinking water projects under the Jal Jeevan Mission, even in scenarios where central funds might be delayed. Should the Union government's share not be released in a timely manner, the state government has committed to temporarily meeting the expenditure from its own resources. These projects, with a combined worth of Rs 153.37 crore, will cover several local bodies across the districts of Ernakulam, Idukki, Malappuram, Pathanamthitta, and Thiruvananthapuram.
Disaster Relief and Compensation Measures
The cabinet also sanctioned financial assistance from the Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund for several tragic incidents. The families of four individuals who lost their lives in a building slab collapse at Valiyangadi, Kozhikode, will each receive Rs 7 lakh, while the state will bear the full treatment costs for one injured person. Additionally, the family of a child who succumbed to a Nipah virus infection in Malappuram will be provided Rs 5 lakh in compensation.
In a significant move for coastal communities, the cabinet approved compensation for 2,433 fishermen who have been severely affected by sand accumulation at Muthalapozhi in Thiruvananthapuram. This natural phenomenon has prevented them from venturing out to sea for their livelihood. Compensation for 91 days of lost livelihood will be disbursed at the prevailing Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGS) wage rate, with funds drawn from the relief fund.
