LDF promises above average development

Kozhikode, Mar 28 (UNI) The CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) in Kerala today promised to create a conducive atmosphere for attracting investment in various sectors, including public and private, for the allround development of the state, above the national average levels.

In its manifesto for the April/May Assembly elections, the LDF also outlined various steps to give added impetus to the development of agriculture, traditional industry, and fishing sectors to achieve the target.

Releasing the manifesto, LDF Convenor Paloli Mohammed Kutty said steps would be taken by the Front, if came to power, to attract investment from the Non-Resident Indians, particularly Malayalees working in West Asia, to fund the development projects.

The Front also visualised special steps for boosting, IT, biotechnology, tourism, value-added agricultural processing industry aimed at creating more job opportunities.

Claiming the previous LDF Government headed by Mr E K Nayanar had initiated many steps for the development of these sectors, he said necessary infrastructure would be created for further development after accepting investment from various segments.

Steps would also be taken to improve the quality of education, health, and social welfare sectors in the state, the manifesto said.

Those who are without shelter would be provided with dwelling units during the next five years.

The manifesto also promised to set up an institution to attract investment from NRIs for the agricultural sector, he said adding a special cell, comprising experts, would be formed to suggest ways and means on resource mobilisation.

The other salient features of the manifesto were to give special attention to animal husbandry, protection of forests, public and private sector units, energy, transport, town and capital developments, drinking water, sports and SC/ST, among other things.

Terming the incumbent UDF Government, headed by Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, as an ''allround failure,'' the manifesto said during the five years of the ''misrule,'' the people had suffered a lot as the administration adopted anti-people globalisation policies.

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