Kerala has formally launched the Sthree Suraksha Scheme, a monthly pension programme aimed at unemployed women and transwomen. Under the scheme, eligible beneficiaries will receive ₹1,000 per month. The first instalment has already been transferred to more than 10 lakh beneficiaries whose applications have been cleared. The initiative is part of the State government’s welfare measures focused on social security and women’s empowerment.
Scheme Features
- The scheme provides a monthly pension of ₹1,000.
- It covers women aged 35 to 60 years.
- Beneficiaries must be economically backward.
- Applicants should not be receiving benefits from other social welfare pension schemes.
- Transwomen are also eligible under the scheme.
Beneficiary Coverage
The first month’s payment was transferred to 10,18,042 beneficiaries whose applications had been cleared. The scheme is expected to support women who face financial dependence and limited access to regular income. It is designed as a direct income support measure for vulnerable sections who are outside other pension networks.
Policy Context in Kerala
The scheme reflects Kerala’s wider welfare model, which has often combined social justice with targeted public spending. The State has previously introduced gender budgeting, making it the first State in India to do so. Gender budgeting requires departments to make specific allocations for women-focused projects. Other initiatives in recent years have included the pink police wing and several women safety measures.
Significance for Social Security
The Sthree Suraksha Scheme strengthens Kerala’s social protection framework by linking welfare with gender justice. It also recognises transwomen within State welfare policy. The scheme is for competitive exam preparation because it relates to women’s empowerment, inclusive welfare, gender budgeting, and State-led social security models.
Last Modified: April 28, 2026