Alappuzha, Nov 24 (NationPress) The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) has officially presented its manifesto for the local body elections, detailing a thorough urban development and social welfare strategy aimed at addressing the alleged oversight of urban needs by the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government.

This initiative targets poverty alleviation, public health, waste management, infrastructure improvement, and the empowerment of women and youth, alongside promoting administrative reforms, pledging extensive transformations should the UDF gain power.

Central to this initiative is a commitment to eradicate or significantly reduce poverty among below-poverty-line individuals and ration-card holders through organized financial and livelihood assistance.

The plan also includes proposals for affordable housing, improved rental benefits for low-income families, and the construction of five lakh homes within the next five years.

Modernization of waste management will be prioritized through cutting-edge technology, ensuring 100% door-to-door waste collection, establishing bio-waste treatment units in each ward, and installing biogas plants extensively.

A comprehensive approach to address street-dog issues will be implemented through stricter enforcement of the Animal Birth Control (ABC) program, mobile birth control units, and upgraded slaughterhouse facilities.

The manifesto emphasizes public health by proposing the establishment of systematic disease-prevention squads in local bodies aimed at combatting outbreaks like cholera, typhoid, and dengue.

Further, the quality of drinking water will be enhanced through new testing labs and rainwater harvesting initiatives.

Local bodies will be tasked with maintaining canals, drains, and public sanitation facilities to mitigate flooding.

A robust social welfare framework is also proposed, including support centers for senior citizens, mental health counseling across local bodies, child protection schemes inspired by Shishumithra, and expanded pension coverage without the need for annual income verification.

Plans for palliative care, fitness centers, day homes, and youth advisory councils are also included.

On the policy reform front, the UDF aims to empower local bodies in disaster management, establish corruption-control certifications, create jobs via local employment initiatives, enhance e-governance, and introduce AI-driven administrative services.

Other proposals encompass anti-drug campaigns, new urban development policies, carbon-neutral municipalities, river conservation efforts, and sustainable local planning committees.

Released by the Leader of the Opposition, V.D. Satheesan, the manifesto is positioned as a pivotal stride towards inclusive, technologically advanced, and citizen-centric urban governance.

The local body elections in Kerala are set to occur in two phases on December 9 and December 11, with vote counting scheduled for December 13.