With the release of their manifesto, the UDF is indicating that it will go head to head with the LDF in regards to welfare schemes and pensions. Moreover, it is also bringing in some new and old policies back to Kerala. Addressing a press conference, Opposition Leader Ramesh Chennithala said, “As far as the UDF is considered, the manifesto is their Gita, Bible, and Quran. The promises in the manifesto will be fulfilled once the UDF comes to power.”
Including their trademark Nyaay scheme, the UDF is aiming at creating a comprehensive welfare package aimed at giving the LDF a run for its money. The major aspect of the scheme is the UDF’s Nyaay scheme, promising Rs 6,000 to the poorest families, ensuring Rs 72,000 per year. According to MP Benny Behenan, a member of the manifesto committee, the scheme is aimed at “alleviating poverty in Kerala”. The Nyaay scheme is also aimed to help people to bring themselves out of the financial damages caused by the floods and Covid-19.
The more interesting aspect of the manifesto is the idea of a welfare pension revision committee along the lines of a pay revision committee to oversee the need to increase the welfare pension depending on the situation every year. Promising Rs 3,000, the manifesto is claiming to change it every year as per the requirements of the time. Moreover, the government will provide Rs 3,000 to ST mothers — without a government job — for six months after childbirth.
Construction of homes also features in the manifesto with the democratic front planning around five lakh houses, including increasing the construction expenditure of homes for scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, and fisherfolk from Rs 4 Lakh to Rs 6 Lakh. The UDF also added that they would probe into the corruption allegations against the Life Mission, but will continue the project by solving its misgivings. The government will also recover illegal hoarding of land by national and international companies — estimated to be about 5.5 lakh acres — and distribute it among the SC/ST communities as well as to those other deserving candidates.
Here is the full text of the manifesto, which emphasises social welfare, equality, women empowerment, development, governance, education, tourist destination, health, and environmental quality.
