Heated Kerala Assembly Debate Over Women's Security Scheme Amid Scrutiny Row

The Kerala Assembly witnessed heated exchanges on Monday over the future of the Women's Security Scheme , with the ruling UDF and the opposition LDF clashing over the welfare programme launched by the previous government.

CPI(M) MLA A C Moideen moved an adjournment motion, alleging that the government was trying to dismantle a scheme providing ₹1,000 per month to nearly 16 lakh women from economically weaker households. He said the initiative, which recognised unpaid domestic work, was implemented after due verification through local self-government institutions.

Replying to the motion, Chief Minister V D Satheesan denied that the government had decided to scrap the scheme but said its future would be decided only after a detailed review of complaints regarding beneficiary selection. He said ₹1,770 crore had been earmarked in the budget if the scheme continues.

The Chief Minister alleged the previous LDF government rushed the scheme ahead of the Assembly elections without following proper procedures or eligibility norms and claimed beneficiary lists were prepared by CPI(M) committees rather than authorised bodies. He also highlighted the UDF government's welfare measures, including free KSRTC travel for women under the Priyadarshini scheme and enhanced remuneration for ASHA workers and Anganwadi teachers .

Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan rejected the allegations, accusing the government of attempting to sabotage the scheme. He said applications were processed transparently through the K-SMART portal , with around five lakh applications still awaiting approval, and urged the government not to deny benefits to poor women.

Following the Chief Minister's response, Speaker Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan disallowed the adjournment motion, ending the debate while the scheme remains under government scrutiny.