Kannur,06 April (HS) :Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday asserted that the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government has successfully implemented 97% of the promises made in its election manifesto, highlighting what he described as a decade of transformative governance in the state.
Releasing the government’s latest progress report in Kannur, the Chief Minister said that out of 900 promises made during the previous Assembly elections, the vast majority have already been fulfilled. Referring to the 2021 progress report, he noted that 580 out of 600 commitments had been completed, with the remaining projects now in their final stages.
Vijayan detailed a series of flagship achievements across sectors, with a strong emphasis on housing, welfare, employment, and infrastructure development. Under the LIFE Mission housing scheme, the government has completed five lakh homes, benefiting nearly 20 lakh people. Additionally, 2,752 houses and 738 flats were provided to fishermen, marking a significant step in improving coastal livelihoods.
In the land reforms sector, the government distributed land titles to 4,56,689 families who previously lacked ownership documents. The Chief Minister explained that the target of distributing five lakh titles was narrowly missed due to revenue officials being engaged in digital survey processes, but said the milestone would have otherwise been surpassed.
Highlighting employment generation, Vijayan stated that Kerala has recorded the highest number of public sector appointments through the Public Service Commission (PSC), with over three lakh jobs provided. The government also expanded the upper age limit for job applications and introduced the 'Connect to Work' initiative, aimed at supporting job seekers financially while they search for employment.
The Chief Minister further underlined reforms in the education sector, noting that free education has been extended up to the undergraduate level. He also emphasized the government’s focus on women’s empowerment, stating that over 16 lakh women have received financial assistance under various schemes.
On disaster rehabilitation, Vijayan said the government has developed a model township for families affected by the Mundakkai–Chooralmala disaster, with 178 houses already completed and the remaining under construction.
The state’s anti-poverty drive has also made significant progress, with 64,006 families lifted out of extreme poverty through targeted interventions.
In infrastructure, the government has committed ₹10,000 crore towards the development of hill and coastal highways. The Chief Minister highlighted the commencement of the Kalladi–Anakkampoyil tunnel road project, aimed at transforming connectivity in Wayanad.
He also credited the state government’s financial support—covering 25% of land acquisition costs—for the smooth progress of National Highway 66 works, noting that such a model had not been adopted by any other state before.
On major projects, Vijayan said the Vizhinjam port development has been successfully advanced, with steps initiated to complete construction by 2028. He also announced the introduction of an assured pension scheme for government employees.
Summing up, the Chief Minister said the progress report reflects the LDF government’s commitment to inclusive growth and efficient governance, positioning Kerala as a model for development-led administration.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman
