Thiruvananthapuram: The election manifesto of opposition LDF which is making a strong bid to form government in the state after forthcoming Assembly polls, has promised mass movement against liquor consumption, 25 lakh jobs within five years, 10 lakh jobs in IT and allied sectors and raising the legal drinking age from 21 to 23.
LDF Convenor Vaikom Viswan while releasing the manifesto at the AKG Centre here, said it contained 35 action plans and 600 recommendations covering almost all major sectors. The front has promised to set up 1500 start up every year, Rs 2 lakh each for 1000 ideas for start-ups. Special financial assistance will be given for start ups to be set up by SC/STs. The IT space would be increased from 1 crore sq feet to 2.3 crore sq feet.
In the tourism sector, the LDF proposes to increase the foreign tourist arrivals which stand at 12 lakh to 24 lakh within five years. Public sector would be revived. The gas pipeline work will be completed in a time bound manner and Kochi will be connected with the national grid.
Steps will be taken to revive Keltron. Rubber trees will be exempted from commodity tax for three years and completion of four lane national highways, all by passes and major interior roads will also be completed. Labour bank in all panchayts. All mega projects mega projectsVizhinjam, light metro, Kannur airport, Kochi SmartCity will be completed in a time bound manner.
The LDF promised food security and self sufficiency in vegetables. Rs 5000 crore coastal package involving infrastructure, social sector and model matsya villages. National waterway to be completed, connecting harbours. Study will be conducted to study ferry service from Thiruvananthapuram to Kasargod.
