Kerala’s ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) on Thursday unveiled its manifesto for the April 9 Assembly elections, promising a Rs 3,000 monthly welfare pension, job creation initiatives and an investment push of Rs 2 lakh crore.
The manifesto was released by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, outlining a mix of welfare measures and development plans aimed at improving living standards across the state.
A key promise in the document is the elimination of absolute poverty, with the LDF planning to identify around five lakh of the poorest families and extend targeted support to help them move above the poverty line.
The alliance also pledged to increase welfare pensions to Rs 3,000 per month, up from the current Rs 2,000, while strengthening healthcare and local-level support systems.
Special emphasis has been placed on vulnerable groups, including Scheduled Castes, fisherfolk and Antyodaya beneficiaries, along with enhanced care for the elderly and bedridden patients.
The government had recently claimed that extreme poverty had been eliminated in the state, alongside revising welfare pension amounts.
The manifesto outlines a series of measures aimed at tackling unemployment, particularly among the youth.
It promises campus placements for students completing their education and an expansion of skill development programmes. A “Back to Campus” initiative has been proposed to help job seekers acquire practical skills aligned with industry requirements.
The LDF also aims to strengthen employment opportunities through sector-specific interventions and better integration of training with job markets.
Women’s participation in the workforce is another key focus area, with the alliance targeting a 50 per cent participation rate.
To support this, the manifesto proposes improved safety measures, better transport facilities, childcare support and skill training initiatives to enable greater workforce inclusion.
On the economic front, the LDF has set an ambitious target of attracting Rs 2 lakh crore in investments over five years. The plan includes developing industrial corridors, promoting innovation hubs and boosting manufacturing and service sectors to generate employment.
The proposals reflect a combined emphasis on welfare expansion and economic growth, as the ruling front seeks to retain power in the southern state.
Polling for the 140-member Kerala Assembly will be held in a single phase on April 9.
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