LDF pledges Rs 3,000 pension, jobs and growth push in poll manifesto

Kozhikode (Kerala): Kerala’s ruling LDF on Thursday unveiled its Assembly election manifesto here, promising to eliminate absolute poverty, raise welfare pensions to Rs 3,000, and boost jobs and investment.

The CPI(M)-led alliance also pledged to increase women’s workforce participation, expand skill training, and attract Rs 2 lakh crore in investments over five years.

Speaking after releasing the document, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the plan aims to combine social justice with economic growth while transforming the state into a knowledge-based economy.

The Left government had recently announced that extreme poverty had been eliminated in the state and the welfare pension increased from Rs 1,600 to Rs 2,000.

In its current manifesto, the LDF says it plans to identify around five lakh poorest families and help them rise above poverty through targeted support.

Special focus will be given to vulnerable groups such as the Scheduled Castes, fisherfolk, and ‘Antyodaya’ (old age) beneficiaries.

The LDF also promised better care for the elderly and bedridden patients.

Welfare pensions are set to be increased to Rs 3,000 per month, and efforts will be made to ensure proper healthcare and support systems at the local level, the manifesto said.

For the youth, the manifesto focused on employment.

It promised campus placements for students completing their studies and the expansion of skill training programmes. A “Back to Campus” initiative will help job seekers gain practical skills linked to employment opportunities.

Women’s employment is another major focus. The LDF aimed to increase the participation of women in the workforce to 50 per cent. Support systems such as safe travel, childcare, and skill training will be strengthened to help women take up jobs.

It also promised the introduction of menstrual leave in government-linked institutions as part of its plan to improve women’s welfare and dignity.

The move came alongside measures to prevent violence against women, including local action plans, stronger legal support systems, and greater involvement of women’s groups.

The manifesto also promised to expand support for the transgender community and ensure gender justice in development initiatives. AGENCIES