LDF Releases Comprehensive Local Body Election Manifesto with 69 Focus Areas

Thriuvananthapuram: The Left Democratic Front (LDF) has released its manifesto for the local body elections, presenting schemes that ensure public welfare and basic needs alongside economic growth. This is the first time a political front in the state is contesting local elections with such a comprehensive, holistic vision in its manifesto. The document outlines 69 different areas, ranging from eradicating extreme poverty to achieving zero carbon.

Everyone will be guaranteed housing and food security. In collaboration with Knowledge Kerala, Kudumbashree aims to provide employment to 20 lakh people within five years. By 2030, 20% of Kerala’s population will be senior citizens, and there are special welfare plans targeting their needs.

Mini industrial parks will be promoted in local bodies, and home-based entrepreneurship will be encouraged. The Industries Department will focus on the “One Product, One Panchayat” model. Modern agricultural practices will be implemented in the farm sector, and measures to reduce human-wildlife conflict will be strengthened.

Plans are also in place to improve sanitation and waste management. Priority will continue to be given to the welfare of fisher families and coastal protection. Local bodies will be supported with sufficient guidance and financial resources to design and implement development projects.

Housing for All

All eligible homeless individuals not included in the LIFE housing scheme list will be given homes within five years. The LIFE Mission target of 5.29 lakh homes will be surpassed by 2025–26. Currently, 4.71 lakh houses have been built, and 1.27 lakh are in various stages of construction. The coastal rehabilitation project will be completed.

People living in hazardous regions will be relocated. Those staying on roadside encroachments and similar areas will be resettled elsewhere and given title deeds.

Better Medical Care

All primary health centers in the state will be converted into family health centers with op services available twice a day. Currently, 80% have already been upgraded. Seventeen percent of these centers have received National Quality Accreditation. Kerala ranks first in the country in this regard. All family health centres will receive national accreditation within five years. Facilities in the public health sector will be further expanded.

Free Medicines for Elderly with Lifestyle Diseases

Senior citizens will be provided free medicines for lifestyle diseases based on medical examinations. Facilities for regular physical exercise will be created. They will be encouraged to participate in social activities to reduce mental stress. Recreation centres, clubs for senior citizens, and rest shelters will be established for entertainment and relaxation. Public buildings and homes will be made elderly-friendly. Over the next five years, the state will witness this transformation. Programs such as “New Innings” will make use of senior citizens’ experience for local development through entrepreneurship-development initiatives.

Palliative Care for the Bedridden

All bedridden patients will receive uninterrupted medical check-ups, medicines, and palliative care services. Free food and ambulance services will be provided. Paid caregivers will also be made available. All these will be recognized as rights of bedridden patients.

20 Lakh Jobs for Women

Kudumbashree, in collaboration with Knowledge Kerala, has already identified around 2 lakh local jobs and appointed 30,000 individuals. This will reach 3 lakh by the end of the financial year. Based on this momentum, 20 lakh women will be provided employment within five years. Even at an average monthly income of 10,000 rupees, this will inject 24,000 crore rupees into ordinary households. A large-scale program to provide jobs for educated youth will also be implemented through Knowledge Kerala.

Improved Education

Kerala, which ranks first in NITI Aayog’s education index, will be brought to the top of the National Performance Grading Index within five years. Measures to enhance educational quality will be strengthened. With the support of local bodies and PTAs, a large-scale learning support network will be created.

Mini Industrial Parks in All Local Bodies

Every local body will establish a mini industrial park. The Entrepreneurship and Employment Help Desk will be made more effective. Using the amended rules allowing home-based enterprises, a comprehensive program will be launched.

Work Near Home facilities will be introduced in local bodies. Special focus will be given to Scheduled Caste and tribal settlements. One lakh enterprises will be supported to reach a turnover of 1 crore rupees. Existing enterprises will be given financial assistance, and new ones will receive special incentives. Local plans will promote agro-processing units, home stays, tourism ventures, and small manufacturing units. Skill training will be provided to strengthen the workforce. Public Wi-Fi zones will be set up.

Complete Housing in Coastal Areas

All those living within 50 meters of the sea who are willing to relocate will be rehabilitated through the 'Punargeham' project. Financial assistance will be given to fisherfolk during fishing ban days. Students in these regions will receive benefits equivalent to those given to Scheduled Caste students. Schools under the Fisheries Department will be upgraded, and selected ones will be raised to international standards. The “Clean Sea, Beautiful Coast” project will be completed. Each household will be guaranteed one job under the 'Thozhil Theeram' project. Insurance coverage and compensation will be enhanced, and accidental deaths will be included under insurance.

Green Islands in Every Ward

Sewage treatment systems will be ensured everywhere. A mass people’s campaign will be launched to clean ponds, lakes, and rivers. Fisherfolk will be involved in removing plastic from the sea. The Green Protocol will be universalized. Measures will be taken to increase the income of Green Kerala workers. Local bodies will take the lead in beautifying public spaces. Roadside offsets, parks, and green walkways will be developed. Green islands will be created in every ward.

Scholarships will be granted to 50 students per panchayat, 75 per municipality, and 100 per corporation. They will serve as sanitation ambassadors.

Promotion of Public Kitchens

To turn Kerala into a fully nutrition-secure state, nutritious meals will be ensured in anganwadis and schools. More community food outlets will be opened based on the “Samruddhi” model of Kochi Corporation. Public kitchens and affordable restaurants will be expanded. The public distribution system will be strengthened.

Panchayat Sports Council

Modern sports facilities will be developed in local bodies. School complexes will also be built. Sports councils will be formed at the panchayat level. Public exercise spaces will be set up following the open gym model.

Public Spaces for Gen-Z

A Destination Challenge Scheme will be launched to strengthen village tourism centers. Spaces under flyovers and other unused areas will be redesigned into attractive public places. Spaces similar to 'Manaveeya Veethi' in Thiruvananthapuram will be developed for Gen-Z.