Thiruvananthapuram: The state Cabinet on Wednesday decided to open the post of drivers in Kerala government departments and state-owned public sector undertakings to women. Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday said that the job section is no longer a male domain. 

The official statement also indicates that a directive has been issued to ensure new laws are framed to make drivers' post in Kerala government and state PSUs gender neutral. In Kerala, women do drive private buses, taxis, autorickshaws and ambulances, but this is the first time that women will be appointed to drive government vehicles.

On the same day, the state government has also decided to construct community shelters that can resist floods in Kuttanad. This project will be implemented by the Kerala State Financial Enterprise (KSFE). The Cabinet also approved directives for providing bonuses for public sector employees in the state for the financial year 2018-2019.

The Cabinet also decided to amend the law to bring power loom workers under the Kerala Handloom Workers Welfare Fund Act. It also decided to offer jobs to 83 sportspersons who bagged gold, silver and bronze medals for Kerala in the 35th National Games.