Impetus to new direct-benefit schemes in poll-bound Kerala

Thiruvananthapuram: As the Assembly elections are approaching in Kerala, the Pinarayi Vijayan government is pushing forward two direct cash benefit schemes for women and youths that were already announced.

While the scheme offering Rs. 1,000 per month to women already witnessed impressive participation, the norms for the monthly scholarship of Rs. 1,000 to youths seeking jobs have been relaxed to ensure maximum participation.

Direct benefit schemes were often considered as key influencing factors in elections, the latest instance being the 'Mukhyamantri mahila rozgar yojana' of Bihar. Poll bound Tamil Nadu too recently announced fresh direct cash benefit scheme.

The Pinarayi Vijayan government had announced the 'Sthree Suraksha Scheme' (Women security scheme) that offers assistance of Rs. 1,000 per month to women in the 35-60 age group who are not covered in any other welfare schemes of the government. Till last week 8.5 lakh had applied for the scheme.

'Chief Minister's connect to work' is the direct cash benefit scheme announced by the Pinarayi government targeting youngsters. It offers a scholarship of Rs. 1,000 per month to youth in the 18- 30 age group for one year after completing studies so as to enable them undergo job-oriented training.

While the scheme was initially offered to those with family income of up to Rs. one lakh, now the upper income limit has been relaxed to Rs. five lakhs in order to ensure that more youths get the benefit. So far the response to the scheme was so bleak that only around 10,000 had applied, whereas the government's target is five lakh. The scheme is likely to be formally rolled out this month.

Already the state government has increased the welfare and social security pension to over 60 lakh people to Rs. 2,000 per month from Rs. 1,600 and dues have been cleared.

Distribution of free grocery kits to all households for several months following the lockdown due to Covid-19 was one one of the highlights of the first Pinarayi Vijayan government. It was believed to be one reason that helped the LDF to retain power.