Mission Samudra anchors development push with welfare, infrastructure, and employment focus ahead of April 9 polls…reports Asian Lite News Desk
The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) on Thursday released a comprehensive, welfare-driven manifesto for the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections, placing equal emphasis on infrastructure expansion and social security, with Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy unveiling the document in Kochi alongside senior alliance leaders.
Kerala voters will elect 140 legislators on April 9.
Central to the manifesto is Mission Samudra, an ambitious plan to transform Kerala into a global maritime hub. Leveraging the state’s 600 km coastline, 44 rivers, and network of ports, the initiative envisages a phased water transport grid integrating cargo, passenger services, and tourism, ultimately creating a unified coastal logistics ecosystem.
Complementing the maritime vision, the UDF proposes a major aviation expansion programme, including upgrades to runways and terminals, development of MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Operations) hubs, logistics parks, and route incentives to boost connectivity and attract investment.
The manifesto highlights job creation and entrepreneurship, promising dedicated support to 10,000 MSMEs with annual revenues exceeding Rs 100 crore through revolving funds, technology grants, and venture capital schemes. A proposed “Job Watch Tower” aims to monitor global employment trends and align higher education to evolving job markets.
On welfare, the UDF pledges social security pensions of Rs 3,000, backed by legislation, and promises to revive schemes like the Karunya Benevolent Fund, expand subsidised ration access, and introduce Indira Canteens for affordable food. Youth and women’s initiatives are prioritised, with 5 per cent of plan funds earmarked for youth-led programmes and enhanced employment and safety support for women.
Healthcare and education are also key pillars, with increased budget allocation for health, free dialysis for BPL families, expansion of medical colleges, anti-ragging legislation, student mobility programmes, and scholarships for studies in India and abroad.
Farmers and coastal communities receive targeted support, including fair price mechanisms, rubber price backing, diesel subsidies for fishermen, and legal protection for fishing rights. Tribal welfare, housing for the poor, and schemes for marginalised groups complete the social agenda.
Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan noted that a UDF government would hold monthly reviews to monitor the manifesto’s implementation.
With its dual focus on infrastructure-driven growth and comprehensive welfare measures, the UDF manifesto seeks to present a development-oriented and socially inclusive agenda, setting up a direct contest of narratives in the Kerala Assembly elections.
