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The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) in Kerala unveiled its election manifesto on Thursday, April 2, promising free bus travel for women, a monthly stipend of Rs 1,000 for college-going girls, Rs 3000 welfare pension and a Rs 25 lakh health insurance scheme. Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, who was the chief guest for the event, released the document.
The document outlines a “5+1 guarantee” aimed at strengthening social security, empowering women and youth, developing the economy and infrastructure and expanding public welfare schemes. It pledges interest-free loans for young entrepreneurs, a dedicated department for senior citizens and an Ammavadi scheme for elderly women on the lines of anganwadis.
The UDF manifesto outlines a comprehensive developmental roadmap for a "New Era Kerala," focusing on modernising infrastructure, stimulating economic growth through technology, and supporting traditional sectors. It promises to pass a new law to protect the faith of devotees of Sabarimala. The UDF also proposes to start a ‘Ministry of Tolerance’ to promote secularism.
Major infrastructure developmental promises include Mission Samudra, which aims to integrate Kerala’s 600 km coastline, 44 rivers, 34 lakes, and 4 international airports into a global maritime presence. It includes connecting major and minor ports to create an integrated water transport network for cargo and passengers.
The manifesto promises a comprehensive aviation plan, including the construction of a second runway at Kochi Airport, expansion of the terminal and apron at Kannur Airport, and the establishment of Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO) centers. It also proposes a "Route Development and Connectivity Fund" to support new flights.
A high-speed rail corridor in collaboration with Indian Railways and the implementation of Metro or Light Metro systems in Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode has also been proposed.
Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan, who presented the document, said the manifesto builds on five key assurances earlier highlighted by Rahul Gandhi during the concluding phase of the UDF’s Puthu Yuga Yatra in Thiruvananthapuram. He also drew comparisons with Telangana, noting that Reddy had implemented major promises within 100 days of assuming office, and expressed confidence that a UDF government in Kerala would deliver in a similar manner.
Major promises in the manifesto
Free travel for women on KSRTC buses.
Rs 1,000 monthly stipend for college-going girls.
Health insurance coverage up to Rs 25 lakh, named after former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy.
Enhanced welfare pensions for eligible beneficiaries.
Interest-free loans for young entrepreneurs and a dedicated department for senior citizens.
Daily wage of ASHA workers to be raised to at least Rs 700; salaries of anganwadi staff and school meal workers to be revised.
KR Narayanan scholarships and education loans for higher studies in India and abroad.
‘Ammavadi’ scheme for the welfare and care of elderly women.
Sidharthan distress app and a Sidharthan Anti-Ragging and Student Welfare Act to curb campus ragging.
Academic syndicate to reduce political interference in higher education.
Rohith Vemula law to eliminate caste-based discrimination in universities, colleges and schools.
Peace and Harmony department to address political violence.
Metro or light metro rail in Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode.
Ministry of Tolerance to strengthen communal harmony.