Kochi, April 2: Ahead of the Kerala Assembly elections, the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) released its manifesto on Thursday. The event took place in Kochi, where Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao unveiled the document in the presence of several senior leaders from the coalition. This manifesto signals a strong electoral claim from the UDF.
Voting for the 140 seats in Kerala is set for April 9. In light of this, the UDF has crafted its strategy with a focus on both development and public welfare.
The standout feature of the manifesto is the ‘Mission Samudra.’ This ambitious initiative aims to transform Kerala into a global maritime hub. Utilizing the state’s 600-kilometer coastline, 44 rivers, and a network of ports, the plan seeks to enhance water transport. A robust coastal logistics system will be developed, integrating cargo, passenger services, and tourism.
Additionally, the UDF has proposed significant expansions in the aviation sector. Plans include extending airport runways and terminals, establishing maintenance-repair-overhaul (MRO) hubs, creating logistics parks, and promoting new flight routes.
Employment and entrepreneurship are also major focal points. The manifesto promises support for 10,000 MSME units to achieve annual turnovers exceeding ₹100 crore. Financial tools such as revolving funds, technology funds, and venture support will be made available. Moreover, a ‘Job Watch Tower’ will be established to monitor global employment trends and align education accordingly.
On the welfare front, the UDF has pledged to increase the social security pension to ₹3,000. The manifesto also includes plans to revive the Karunya Benevolent Fund, enhance affordable ration systems, and introduce initiatives like the ‘Indira Canteen’ to provide low-cost meals. The Karunya Benevolent Fund offers financial assistance for treating serious illnesses, including cancer.
Special programs have been designed for youth and women. Five percent of the total budget will be allocated for youth initiatives, with a particular emphasis on women’s employment and safety.
Significant commitments have also been made in health and education. These include free dialysis for low-income families, new medical colleges, measures to reduce healthcare costs, and the introduction of anti-ragging laws, student exchange programs, and scholarships for studying domestically and abroad.
Provisions for farmers and fishermen have also been included, such as fair pricing, support prices for rubber, diesel subsidies for fishermen, and legal protection of their rights.
Opposition leader V.D. Satheesan stated that if the UDF forms the government, monthly meetings will be held to review the promises made in the manifesto.
Arpit Soni has had a passion for journalism since the beginning. Now he has turned this hobby into his profession. Arpit, who is a resident of Udaipur, enjoys editing and writing news related to journalism. He has worked as a Senior Content Producer in several important roles at Bhaskar, Patrika, Pratahkal, Punjab Kesari, and Times. Arpit completed his schooling in Udaipur and Jaipur. He has been working in the media industry for more than 10 years, and his journey is still continuing. ✍️📚
Leave a Comment