LDF manifesto promises restoration of statutory pensions

Thiruvananthapuram: The election manifesto of Left Democratic Front, released by convenor of the Front Vaikom Viswan here, proposes review of contributory pension scheme for government employees with a view to reinstate statutory pensions.

Measures will be made for all pensioners aged above 60 to receive their pensions at home.

Releasing the manifesto, Mr. Viswan clarified that reduction of consumption of liquor, not prohibition, would be the policy of the Left Democratic Front. The UDF was claiming prohibition when liquor was flowing freely through wine and beer parlours.

The manifesto envisages a developed Kerala free of corruption and rooted in secularism. It proposes 35-point action plan and 600 proposals.

It proposes that 25 lakh job opportunities will be created in five years, if LDF comes to power. New projects will be carried out through start-up villages.  Assistance of Rs. 2 lakh each will be given to 1000 start-ups every year. There will be special set up for checking prices. The Public distribution system will be strengthened.

In the beginning itself, the list of essential commodities will be drawn up and prices will be kept steady for them for five years. Strong action will be taken against ‘Nokkukooli’.

The manifesto stresses on measures to protect farming and environment and says that Kerala Conservation of Paddy Land and Wetland Act will be implemented strictly. Measures will be taken to ensure minimum earnings for farmers. Payment of royalties to farmers will be introduced with a view to conserve paddy fields. A major campaign will be undertaken for water conservation.

Facilities for inpatient treatment will be introduced in all primary health centres. Al taluk hospitals will get facilities for treatment of heart diseases and cancer. Staff pattern in hospitals will be revised and facilities at three medical colleges will be upgraded.

 A major banking scheme will be implemented with the cooperation of district cooperative banks. Measures will be taken to double tourist arrivals and increase area of IT parks. Kerala will be turned into a mobility hub for electronics hardware. The natural gas grid will be completed.

The road network will be improved with fourlaning of national highways and completion of all bypasses under construction. The Railways will be pressed for another doubling of railway lines from two to four.  Goods transport through waterways will be promoted. Problems of differently abled will be addressed.