Kochi, April 2 The Congress-led UDF on Thursday released its manifesto for the April 9 elections to the Kerala Assembly, outlining key welfare measures and development plans for the state.
The document states that welfare pensions are not charity but a right, and promises a law to guarantee pensions as a legal entitlement. The manifesto was released in Kochi, where Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy handed it over to Congress leader V D Satheesan.
A major highlight is the "Indira Guarantees" announced by Rahul Gandhi. These include free bus travel for women, Rs 1,000 monthly assistance for college girls, a Rs 3,000 social welfare pension, Rs 25 lakh free health insurance per family, and interest-free loans up to Rs 5 lakh for young entrepreneurs.
A separate department for senior citizens' welfare has also been promised.
The manifesto focuses on economic growth through projects like Mission Samudra to develop Kerala as a port-based economy, expansion of the aviation sector, and the creation of 10,000 high-revenue enterprises.
It also proposes a Job Watch Tower to track employment trends and a Tribal University in Wayanad, along with financial and mentorship support for startups.
To address poverty, the UDF has promised the launch of the "Nava Ashraya" scheme, food security through Indira Canteens, and free ration for vulnerable groups.
Youth empowerment will be promoted through "Yuvashree" groups, while additional support has been assured for differently-abled persons and transgender communities.
The manifesto places strong emphasis on peace and unity, proposing a Ministry of Tolerance to promote communal harmony and a Social Harmony Department to prevent political violence and ensure peaceful coexistence.
In the labour sector, fuel subsidies have been promised for transport and fishing sectors.
The daily wage of ASHA workers will be increased to Rs 700, and wages of Anganwadi and school meal workers will be revised.
In healthcare, free dialysis for BPL patients, higher budget allocation, affordable treatment, and hospital beds as a right have been assured. Schemes like the Karunya Fund will also be revived.
The document also highlights education reforms, including scholarships, anti-ragging systems, and measures to end discrimination.
Employment opportunities will be expanded through global investments and improved recruitment systems, along with a campaign against drug abuse.
Housing schemes aim to provide homes to five lakh people within five years, while agriculture policies include a special budget, better support prices, and quick resolution of farmers’ issues.
Fishermen will receive subsidies and protection of rights, and SC/ST communities will benefit from land distribution and targeted welfare measures.
Tourism will be promoted as an industry, and traditional sectors like coir and handloom will receive support. Infrastructure plans include a high-speed rail corridor and metro expansion, along with sports programmes to prepare athletes for the Olympics.
The UDF said the manifesto aims to transform Kerala into a number one state in the country. It also promised a monitoring system to review implementation every two months to ensure accountability.