UDF manifesto promises high growth rates, welfare programmes

Thiruvananthapuram: The election manifesto of United Democratic Front promises “houses for all, health for all and food for all”.

The manifesto, released on Wednesday, proposes a slew of welfare measures for the poor on the lines of what had already been implemented by the UDF government. Level of unemployment is to be brought down to four per cent and the number of BPL families to one per cent of the population.

The manifesto promises to increase the per capita income of Keralites to 36000 dollars (Rs. 22 lakh) a year by 2040 against current figure of 4700 dollars (nearly Rs. 3 lakh) a year. (The current figure is at variance with that of the State Planning Board).

The targeted growth rate is stated to be 7.5 per cent for the next 20 years. The Front promises to achieve growth rates of 2 per cent in farm sector, 9 per cent each in industrial manufacturing and construction sector, 7.5 per cent in communication sector and 10 per cent in education and health sectors. Higher education is sector is to achieve an increase in enrolment rate of 48 per cent. High living standards based on the smart growth of rural urban areas will be achieved.

The government will procure four hectare in every Grama Panchayat for starting small, medium enterprises units. One lakh employment opportunities were to be created this way. There will be free tax holidays for promotion of family enterprises and self-employment ventures for five years. Five lakh employment opportunities are proposed to be created in the tourism sector. Industrial parks will be set up for women entrepreneurs.

Health care for all envisages free supply of medicines to cancer and diabetes patients, health insurance for all families, supply of life saving drugs at low prices and comprehensive health care projects at the panchayat level. Health treatment and health protection will be converted into ‘Health Rights.’ Health security for all by 2030 will be the objective.

The manifesto promises 25 kg of free rice to BPL families. Prices of 20 essential consumer goods would be distributed at constant prices for five years through the public distribution system.

The Government, it says, will start rubber processing industries in the public sector and procure rubber at higher prices. An incentive scheme similar to rubber will be started for cardamom famers. All marginal and small farmers will be included in the State Government’s rubber production incentive programme. Minimum support price will be ensured for rubber and coconut.

UDF Government will ensure interest free loan to farmers who make prompt repayment of farm loans. Farmers’ pension will be increased to Rs. 1000 a month.  Incentive bonus of Rs.10000 a hectare will be provided to marginal farmers to promote mixed farming besides environmental incentives to protect rice cultivation and conservation of water resources. -An incentive of Rs.10000 a hectare will be sanctioned to promote an intensive modern farm technology and mixed farming. The government will also formulate an agricultural fund through ‘Farm bumper lottery’ to give relief to farmers

Organic Farm plus Project’ will be started to promote organic vegetable farming in new homes, villas and flats. Government will also promote “integrated vertical farms’’ in homesteads providing 50% subsidy. Agri -bio-parks will be started to process value added products from fruits and vegetable. Organic vegetable farms will be developed on the sides of roads and highway. Organic farming will be subsidised.  An ‘Organic Farm Board’ will be started to market organic farm products.

In order to sustain self-sufficiency in egg and meat production, government will formulate an extensive project with people’s participation and will also start egg-meat processing small and medium scale enterprises in all grama panchayats. Housing subsidy for Fishermen will be increased to Rs.3 lakh.

The manifesto proposes a number of benefits to BPL families including monthly scholarships to girl students and assistance of Rs. 2000 a month to female law graduates beginning their practice. Communicable diseases will be eliminated among Scheduled Castes and Tribes by 2030.

It also proposes a comprehensive programme for generation of electricity from non-conventional sources and uninterrupted supply of electricity throughout day and night.

District planning committee will be strengthened to formulate integrated District Plan. Redeployment and transfer of Government servants to LSGs will be implemented in full.

Operation Kubera which effectively control the “Blade Mafia’ will be further strengthened Police Stations will be modernized using High- technology and convert them in to people friendly centres.

The manifesto promises strict control of corruption in government services and e-Governance in all government offices.

Air Pollution will be minimized through control on motor vehicles control on plastic burning and control on factory pollution.

A rehabilitation gramam will be set up for endosulfan victims besides a super speciality hospital. Prabhakaran Committee Report will be implemented for the overall development of Kasargod district.