Tamil Nadu, Kerala and West Bengal introduce convoy limits, ASHA pay rise and live assembly telecasts as new administrations set priorities

Within days of taking office, three newly formed state governments in South and East India have begun rolling out administrative changes aimed at reducing disruption to public life, improving transparency and signalling policy shifts — from limits on VIP convoys in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal to a cash boost for ASHA workers in Kerala.

Traffic orders and separate lanes

In Chennai, Chief Minister Vijay has told officials that his convoy should not stop regular traffic while he travels to and from the Secretariat, sources in the secretariat confirmed on Friday. The CM reportedly uses a separate lane for his commute each morning and remains at the Secretariat through the day; security protocols have been altered so routine traffic is not halted for his movement for the first 12 days in office, administration sources said.

Officials said the instruction is part of a broader effort to reduce inconvenience to commuters and demonstrate a lower-profile official travel style. The new cabinet — of 33 ministers, including 11 below 40 and 32 newcomers — has also ordered the closure of 717 liquor shops located within 500 metres of temples, schools and bus stands, and appointed R. Kumar as the state’s minister in charge of artificial intelligence.

Smaller convoys, fewer escorts

In Kolkata, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has similarly directed that ordinary vehicles not be stopped for his convoy, and instructed ministers and officials to avoid blocking public movement during field visits, government sources said. Security details have been slimmed down and VIP motorcades shortened, part of an administrative push to keep roads moving and cut visible privilege.

The Bengal government has also decided to telecast Assembly proceedings live, a move officials say will strengthen legislative transparency. Preparations are underway for a free bus service for women, expected to begin on June 1, and directives have gone out to make the singing of "Vande Mataram" compulsory in educational institutions, including madrasas, according to circulars reviewed by this reporter.

Kerala eases access, boosts ASHA pay

In Thiruvananthapuram, the United Democratic Front (UDF) government under V. D. Satheesan announced several immediate administrative changes after the new cabinet meeting on May 18. Ministers will be required to meet citizens both at their offices and at their residences, officials said, and public access to the Secretariat has been eased to allow more direct engagement.

The CM’s convoy has been pared down to just two vehicles, and ministers have been asked to forego extensive renovations of official bungalows — only essential repairs will be permitted. The government has also scrapped the previous administration’s SilverLine semi-high-speed rail project, citing environmental concerns and displacement issues.

A direct financial change came for grassroots health workers: ASHA workers’ monthly honorarium has been increased by ₹3,000 to ₹12,000, a senior health department official confirmed. The raise is aimed at improving frontline health worker retention and recognition ahead of expanded public health outreach plans.

AI ministry and press briefings

Kerala also announced what it called the country’s first dedicated Artificial Intelligence ministry, with veteran leader P. K. Kunhalikutty named minister in charge. The government has restarted weekly press briefings after cabinet meetings, reversing a communication freeze that prevailed under the previous regime.

Officials described the array of early decisions as a package intended to signal transparency, fiscal restraint on visible trappings and a focus on welfare measures. “These are small but visible steps to bring government closer to people and reduce everyday friction,” a senior Kerala official said on condition of anonymity.

Public impact and next steps

The administrative tweaks have immediate public visibility — fewer roadblocks and smaller convoys ease commuter delays — while policy shifts such as the liquor-shop closures and the ASHA pay hike carry wider social implications. Critics and opposition parties have yet to mount systematic responses, though some legal and logistical questions remain, particularly over implementation of liquor shop closures and the future of transport projects such as SilverLine.

Officials in all three states said more orders and detailed implementation plans are expected in the coming weeks as new cabinets settle into governance. For now, the early actions serve both practical aims and a political narrative of pared-down VIP culture and a return to visible accessibility.