Asha Workers Salary Increase: The state government has shared some good news for Anganwadi and ASHA workers in the area. Their monthly pay is set to go up. This announcement is part of the state budget for 2026-27.
Finance Minister KN Balagopal revealed that Anganwadi workers will see a salary boost of Rs 1,000, while helpers will get an extra Rs 500 each month. ASHA workers will also receive a Rs 1,000 increase in their monthly pay. Balagopal mentioned that Rs 14,500 crore has been allocated for social security pensions. He noted that Kerala, with around 18.7 percent of its population being senior citizens, will roll out a special “elderly budget,” claiming it will be the first of its kind in the nation.
Additionally, Rs 400 crore has been set aside for the Chief Minister’s “Connect to Work” scholarship. This initiative will provide Rs 1,000 per month for up to a year to educated and unemployed youth aged 18 to 30.
Regarding the rehabilitation of landslide victims in Wayanad, the finance minister stated that the first set of houses will be delivered by the third week of February. The budget also allocates Rs 20 crore to create a center in Thiruvananthapuram in honor of former Chief Minister VS Achuthanandan, aimed at sharing his life lessons with younger generations.
Kerala has earmarked Rs 100 crore for initial work on a Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) corridor connecting Thiruvananthapuram to Kasargode, inspired by the Delhi-Meerut RRTS. An extra Rs 1,000 crore has been allocated for MGNREGA. The state plans to establish permanent art centers to foster culture, starting in Thiruvananthapuram and later expanding to Kochi and Kozhikode.
In response to the needs of gig workers, the government has committed to enhancing their working conditions and integrating them into social welfare programs. An allocation of Rs 20 crore has been designated to create ‘Gig Hubs’ where workers can relax with modern amenities.