KOCHI: The United Democratic Front (DF) has officially released its manifesto for the upcoming Assembly elections, unveiling a slew of populist measures and welfare schemes aimed at poverty alleviation and social security. Highlighting the document is the pledge to increase the Social Security Pension to ₹3,000 and transform it into a legal right. The front also proposed the establishment of a Welfare Pension Commission, modeled after the Pay Commission, to periodically review and regulate payouts. To tackle healthcare costs, the UDF promised the ‘Oommen Chandy Health Insurance’ scheme, providing free medical coverage of up to ₹25 lakh per family.
Focusing on women and youth, the manifesto offers free KSRTC travel for women, a monthly stipend of ₹1,000 for college students, and interest-free business loans of up to ₹5 lakh for budding entrepreneurs. The front also plans to introduce ‘Yuva Sree’ groups, a youth-centric version of the Kudumbashree model. For the elderly, a dedicated government department will be formed, and a system of panchayat-level volunteers will be implemented to ensure doorstep services. The UDF also committed to implementing the 2016 Right to Rights Act, which entitles differently-abled individuals to a pension 25% higher than the standard social security rate.
The manifesto emphasizes a “War on Poverty” through the ‘Nava Ashraya’ scheme, targeting the most vulnerable families. Other notable promises include the expansion of Indira Canteens across the state, free rations for priority cardholders, and increased wages and working days for employment guarantee schemes. Special development packages for the transgender community, including PSC reservation and housing projects, were also highlighted. Additionally, the UDF assured that eligible special schools would be granted aided status and vowed to protect the rights of linguistic minorities, including Tamil and Kannada speakers.