LDF promises to uncover wealth hidden by corrupt

Thiruvananthapuram, Mar 15: The CPI(M)-led LDF in Kerala today promised to bring in a legislation to unearth the wealth hidden or stashed away by corrupt politicians and public figures, if voted to power again.

A Rs two per kg rice scheme for all, enhancement and expansion of welfare pensions, creation of 25 lakh jobs in non-farm sectors and increasing the state spending on infrastructure projects were some highlights of the LDF election manifesto released by Chief Minister VS Achuthanandan today.

"The thrust of the manifesto is Kerala's development while ensuring justice and peace for all," LDF convener Vaikom Viswan said.

If voted to power, the LDF Government would amend the Lok Ayukta rules to provide information to public regarding the assets owned by public figures within and outside the country and to ensure transparent and corruption-free administration, he said.

Apart from the extension of Rs two per kg rice scheme to all sections, the manifesto promised to increase old age pension from Rs 400 to Rs 1000.

A populist promise in the manifesto is offer of a subsidy of Rs 20 per litre for kerosene for the weaker sections.

It also contained several sops for women and children with the professed aim of making Kerala a "woman friendly" state by implementation of various empowerment schemes totaling Rs 7,500 crore.

The maternity leave with wage for women workers in unorganised sector would be increased to three months from the present one month.

All school children would be given free meals, uniforms and textbooks, it said. A welfare-cum-pension scheme for employees of places of worship of all religions will be introduced. It said the operations of other-state lotteries would be contained while protecting Kerala state lottery.

On getting a fresh mandate, the LDF would achieve total electrification of the state in six months and 100 per cent per cent drinking water supply in five years. Kerala goes to the polls on April 13 along with Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.

PTI