Archive · 29 Jan 2026
Kerala Expands Social Security Benefits
The Kerala government has decided to help more people with money and better pay.
They will give social security benefits to women over 50 who live in places like convents and ashrams, making it easier for them to get this help by not asking for certain documents.
The government also increased the pay of workers like ASHAs, Anganwadi workers, pre-primary teachers, and school cooking staff.
They also set aside a lot of money for a scheme to protect women.
All these changes are to make sure these people have enough money to live comfortably.
Kerala Cabinet approves social security benefits for women in religious institutions.
Decision aims to support unmarried women over 50 with no independent income.
Waives usual requirements for income and unmarried status certificates.
Introduces a special application form for easier access to pensions.
Budget allocates ₹14,500 crore for social security pensions and increases honorariums for various worker groups.
- Who
- Unmarried women over 50 in religious institutions, ASHA and Anganwadi workers, pre-primary teachers, literacy mission motivators, school cooking staff
- What
- Extension of social security benefits, increase in honorariums and wages
- When
- Decision made on January 28, 2026; Budget presented on January 29, 2026
- Where
- Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
- Why
- To remove practical hurdles preventing access to financial support and to enhance the welfare of various worker groups
- Location
- Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
- Decision Body
- Kerala Cabinet
- Chairperson
- Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan
- Beneficiaries
- Unmarried women over 50 in religious institutions
- Key Change
- Waived income and unmarried status certificates
- New Measure
- Special application form for this group
- Existing Scheme Reference
- Government order issued on March 31, 2001
- Budget Allocation
- ₹14,500 crore for social security pensions
- ASHA and Anganwadi Workers
- Honorarium hiked by ₹1,000 per month
- Anganwadi Helpers
- Honorarium hiked by ₹500 per month
- Pre-primary Teachers and Literacy Mission Motivators
- Pay increased by ₹1,000 per month
- School Cooking Staff
- Daily wages raised by ₹25 per day
- Chief Minister's Stree Suraksha Scheme
- ₹3,700 crore allocated
Sources
Kerala to extend social security benefits to nuns and other women in faith homes
Kerala to extend social security benefits to nuns, other women in faith homes
Kerala budget: Rs 14,500 crore for social security pensions; honorariums of ASHAs hiked
Kerala Budget: Rs 14,500 Cr for Social Security Pensions, Honorariums of ASHAs Hiked
Kerala budget: ₹14,500 crore for social security pensions; honorariums of ASHAs hiked