Menstrual leave for schoolgirls, IT Dept renamed as Future Technology Dept; Government announces major welfare measures in policy address 

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The first session of the 16th Kerala Legislative Assembly has begun with Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar’s policy address. In his speech, the Governor said the government is committed to transparent and people-friendly policies.

Along with development projects, the government’s first policy address also highlighted several welfare schemes for ordinary people. Key promises made by the UDF during the election campaign, including the Rs 25 lakh Oommen Chandy Health Insurance Scheme and free travel for women in KSRTC buses, were included in the address.

The government also announced a series of major policy decisions. These include the publication of a white paper explaining the state’s financial condition, an increase in Plus One seats, changes to the excise policy, and the implementation of an integrated transport system. Among the other notable announcements were menstrual leave of up to three days for schoolgirls and mandatory six-month maternity leave in both government and private sectors. The government also announced that the IT Department has been renamed as the Future Technology Department.

The policy address stated that the government is committed to providing corruption-free governance and will work in maximum cooperation with the central government for the state’s development. The government said it would work towards building a “New Age Kerala” and ensure transparency and speed in the administrative system.