Thiruvananthapuram: The Nyay scheme, introduced by Rahul Gandhi in the 2019 Lok Sabha poll manifesto of Congress, will be the highlight of UDF’s manifesto for the upcoming assembly poll.
It promises to provide Rs 6,000 a month to all BPL families as universal basic income. As part of the scheme Rs 72,000 will be remitted into the bank accounts of each and every BPL family. Its inclusion is an attempt by UDF to counter LDF’s initiatives, including social-welfare pension and free ration kits.
While releasing the draft UDF manifesto, here, opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala said the ultimate aim of a UDF government will be to wipe out poverty in the state. Kerala will become the first state in the country to implement the Nyay scheme, he said.
Benny Behannan MP, convener of the UDF manifesto committee, said it will be a people’s manifesto prepared by the people. “For this we have decided to collect the opinions of ordinary people. Sittings will be held in all districts to listen to suggestions from public,” he said.
The manifesto also promises to improve the NREGS scheme in the state by increasing man-days and wages. NREGS was a flagship programme of the UPA government at the Centre and UDF is committed to carrying it forward, he said.
“Our manifesto will be more welfare oriented and will focus on development of the state. We assure a transparent and corruption-free government,’’ said Behannan.
The agriculture sector is facing a severe crisis. So we will ensure schemes to improve output in the sector. Minimum support price (MSP) for rubber farmers will be implemented and it will be fixed at Rs 250, said Chennithala.
UDF also plans to set up ‘no-bill hospitals’ which will provide free treatment to the poor. More scholarships for students, increased income for daily-wage earners and a hike in welfare pension are among the other promises.
“This is just a draft report offering pointers to what our focus will be. The final manifesto will be prepared after collecting the opinion of the people,” said Chennithala.