India, May 19 -- The newly sworn-in UDF Government in Kerala on Monday announced a series of welfare measures, including free travel for women in KSRTC buses from June 15, enhanced honorarium for ASHA and Anganwadi workers, and the creation of a dedicated department for elderly people.

Announcing the decisions taken at the first Cabinet meeting, Chief Minister VD Satheesan said the Government had decided to implement two of the five guarantees made during the election.

It was Rahul Gandhi, while launching the election campaign in March this year, who announced five guarantees-free KSRTC bus travel for women, a monthly stipend of Rs 1,000 for girl students in colleges, an increase in welfare pension to Rs 3,000, health insurance coverage...