Kerala Assembly Elections 2026 | LDF pledges Rs 3,000 pension; jobs, growth push in election manifesto

Ahead of the assembly polls in Kerala, ruling LDF on Thursday unveiled its election manifesto. It promised a mix of welfare and development measures aimed at improving people's lives across the state.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan released the document. Elections to the Kerala Assembly, which has 140 seats, will be held on April 9.

The manifesto includes a commitment to eliminate absolute poverty in the state, a hike in welfare pensions to Rs 3,000 per month, and efforts to ensure proper healthcare and support systems at the local level.

The Left government had recently announced that extreme poverty had been eliminated in the state and increased the welfare pension from Rs 1600 to Rs 2000.

In its current manifesto, the CPI(M)-led LDF says it plans to identify around five lakh of the poorest families and help them rise above poverty through targeted support.

It also added that vulnerable groups such as Scheduled Castes, fisherfolk, will be given special focus. It has also promised better care for elderly patients.

Welfare pensions are set to be increased to Rs 3000 per month, and efforts will be made to ensure proper healthcare and support systems at the local level.

For the youth, it promises employment, and placements for students. A "Back to Campus" initiative will help job seekers gain practical skills linked to employment opportunities.

Additionally, another major focus will be women's employment. The LDF aims to increase the participation of women in the workforce to 50 per cent. Support systems such as safe travel, childcare, and skill training will be strengthened to help women take up jobs.

(With agency inputs)