KOZHIKODE: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday released the LDF election manifesto, pledging to raise welfare pension to Rs 3,000, fix the support price of coconut at Rs 45 and guarantee jobs for all students educated in the state.
A curious element in the manifesto is the assertion that the state government would establish a medical institution “better than the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) by collecting funds from the public.”
The proposal is widely seen as a protest against the Centre’s delay in sanctioning AIIMS for Kerala, which is one of the campaign themes in the assembly election.
The manifesto places strong emphasis on health, education, and infrastructure — pillars central to Kerala’s social model. Acknowledging the state’s ageing population, it promises focused measures to ensure a healthy, dignified life for senior citizens, including enhanced care for the bedridden.
It also proposes insurance coverage for the “missing middle” — those currently excluded from existing schemes.
It promises interest-free loans for educated entrepreneurs and plans to foster innovation through college-based hackathons and incubators.
LDF manifesto pledges steps against domestic violence, 50% jobs for women
It also proposes setting up a dedicated company to involve student prodigies in government projects.
The manifesto highlights women’s issues, pledging 50% employment for women and strengthened measures against domestic violence and dowry-related crimes. It also proposes crime mapping with local bodies to develop targeted community-level safety plans.
The manifesto emphasises resolving man-animal conflicts, which have cost lives and become a major political issue across the state. It also underscores the development of new tourism corridors and destinations to boost Kerala’s tourism sector.
The manifesto vows to enhance governance transparency and take strict action against those fueling communal tensions, as well as against land and blade mafias, to ensure a safe and peaceful life for all citizens.
An interesting proposal in the manifesto is the creation of an independent body to monitor the media, conduct fact-checking and develop ‘alternative media platforms.’