By P. Sreekumaran
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The manifestos of the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the United Democratic Front present a fascinating study. The contrast is too glaring to be missed.
While the LDF manifesto lays accent on implementation of the promises, the UDF’s attempt is thinly-veiled attempt to secure votes. In other words, LDF promises only what it can implement. The record of both Pinarayi 1 and Pinarayi 2 Governments proves this beyond any shadow of doubt. Pinarayi 1, for instance, has the remarkable record of implementing 98 per cent of its promises. Equally impressive is the manifesto implementation of Pinarayi 2 Government, too.
The LDF manifesto, released by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, outlines a 60-point programme containing 950 proposals to create a “Nava Kerala”. And the front is seeking a mandate to continue the ongoing development works.
The highlights of the LDF manifesto are: a promise to eradicate absolute poverty, launch of Life Mission 2.0 to make Kerala a “no-homeless State”, hike in welfare pension from Rs 2000 to Rs 3000, transformation of the State into a knowledge society in five years, assured job opportunities for educated youth through campus placements, a “Back to Campus” scheme for skill enhancement and interest-free loan for entrepreneurs.
As many as five lakh severely poor families will be identified and lifted out of poverty. The initiatives aimed at women empowerment include a promise of 50 per cent employment for women and job assurance for two million homemakers.
On the education sector, which has made tremendous strides during the last 10 years, the manifesto promises elevation of higher education to global standards, addressing learning gaps in public education and expansion of technical education initiatives.
In health sector, the promise is to implement a universal health coverage scheme and limitless treatment benefits. At present, 42 lakh beneficiaries are getting treatment benefits up to Rs five lakh under the Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi. All bed-ridden patients will get special treatment and schemes will be formulated for all senior citizens.
As for the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), the denial of which by the Union Government is an example of the “discrimination” against Kerala, the LDF’s promise is to set up a better medico-research hospital with the help of the people, if the Union Government fails to correct its stand.
Both the Kerala capital of Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode are set to get metro rail projects, while the water metro, which has earned nationals as well as international acclaim, will be extended to Alappuzha, Kollam and Kodungallur.
The Chief Minister, who addressed a press conference later, said the concerns voiced by the minorities on the proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) are real because it was being brought by a Government led by the BJP, the political arm of the Rashtriya Swayam Sevak Sangh (RSS). Instead of supporting the victims, the Sangh is protecting the perpetrators. This being the reality, the fears of the minorities are not misplaced, Vijayan averred.
On its part, the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) promises five “Indira guarantees” and five “dream projects” with focus on maritime, aviation sectors and a tribal university in Wayanad.
The five guarantees, announced earlier by Rahul Gandhi are: free Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus travel for women, Rs 1,000 monthly assistance for college-going girl students, increase in welfare pension to Rs 3,000 per month, a Rs 25-lakh health insurance cover for every household under a scheme named after former chief minister Oommen Chandy, and interest-free loans up to Rs five lakh for youths to start their own businesses.
Leader of the Opposition V. D. Satheesan, who handed over a copy of the manifesto to Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, said a ministry for senior citizens will be created to ensure dignity, cared and focussed welfare for the elderly if the UDF comes to power.
“Mission Samudra”, which figures prominently in the manifesto envisages integrating the possibilities offered by the State’s 600-km coastline, 44 rivers, 34 lakes, four international airports, high-range areas to elevate Kerala’s position in the global maritime sector.
In the aviation sector, the manifesto promises facilities for modern pilot and aviation staff training, second phase of run way construction in the Kochi airport and overall development of the Kannur airport.
Other key assurances are setting up of a welfare pension commission, second phase of “Ashraya” project for the needy and introduction of “Indira Canteens” to provide food at lower rates to the public.
In the health sector, the promises include higher budgetary allocation , steps to reduce the out-of-pocket expenses, “She Hospitals” for women and children, “Ammawadi” project for elderly women and tribal health clusters.
Another promise is to implement the “Sidharthan anti-ragging and student welfare Act´ to check ragging.
Satheesan also promises setting up nearly 1,000 medium, small and micro enterprises with a total turn over of Rs 100 crore.
Eligible schools, he assured, will be given aided status. Besides, the minimum daily wages of the Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAS) will be fixed at Rs 700.
Meanwhile, the BJP manifesto promises establishment of the AIIMS and the development of a high-speed railway network connecting Thiruvananthapuram and Kannur.
Other promises are creation of nearly 10 lakh jobs, transformation of Kerala into a “food surplus State”, welfare schemes for lower income households, including introduction of “Bhakshya Arogya Suraksha cards” for women in below poverty line(BPL) families that will provide a monthly recharge of Rs 2,500 for groceries and medicines. Among other assurances are 20,000 litres of free water monthly to every household, two free LPG cylinders annually during Onam and Christmas and raising social security pensions to Rs 3,000 per month for senior citizens over 70 and widows. (IPA Service)
