With the Assembly elections just a week away, both the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the Opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) have released their manifestos, promising a range of welfare schemes and development measures.
The CPI(M)-led LDF manifesto, released by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, promises the elimination of absolute poverty in the state, an increase in welfare pensions to ₹3,000 per month, and efforts to strengthen healthcare and support systems at the local level.
The Left government recently announced that extreme poverty had been eradicated in the state. Building on this, the LDF says it plans to identify around five lakh of the poorest families and help them rise above poverty through targeted support measures.
The manifesto also focuses on employment, promising campus placements for students upon completion of their studies, along with an expansion of skill training programmes. A “Back to Campus” initiative aims to help job seekers acquire practical skills aligned with employment opportunities.
The ruling front has also set a target of increasing women’s participation in the workforce to 50 per cent. Additionally, it promises measures to boost industries, create jobs, and attract investments worth ₹2 lakh crore over the next five years.
UDF promises free KSRTC travel for women
The UDF manifesto, released by Congress leader V.D. Satheesan, promises free travel for women on all Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses.
The UDF has also pledged to raise welfare pensions to ₹3,000 per month and provide a monthly assistance of ₹1,000 to college-going girl students.
Among other promises, the manifesto includes a ₹25 lakh insurance cover for every family in Kerala and interest-free loans of up to ₹5 lakh for small businesses.
The UDF also outlines plans to develop the state’s aviation sector and establish a tribal university in Wayanad. It further promises a revision of wages for scheme workers, such as ASHA and Anganwadi workers, and financial assistance to MSMEs with a turnover of up to ₹100 crore.
Elections to the Kerala Assembly, which has 140 seats, will be held on April 9 with the counting set to take place on May 4.
