Manifesto of the Kerala Citizen Forum

A Vision for a Humane, Sustainable, and Empowered Kerala
The Kerala Citizen Forum is a collective of individuals committed to building a Kerala that ensures dignity, security, and opportunity for all. Our manifesto outlines a bold, people-centred alternative to current development models—rooted in sustainability, equity, and democratic renewal.

Housing for All
Every Keralite deserves a dignified home. With over 1.5 lakh families still without housing, we propose the construction and maintenance of 140 modern residential complexes, one in each assembly constituency. Each complex will offer one- and two-bedroom units equipped with all modern amenities. They will include common dining halls serving free food to anyone in need. A total of 1.6 lakh housing units will be kept in ready-to-occupy condition. Any Keralite without safe accommodation can walk in and request housing, which will be arranged within one hour, with verification completed within 4 days.

Universal Welfare
We propose a universal senior citizen pension of ₹10,000 per month for all citizens above 60 years, ensuring a life of dignity after retirement.

Community centres providing free 24/7 food and rest facilities will be established across the state—one in each grama panchayat, two in municipalities, three in district headquarters, and four in city corporations. These will serve as immediate shelters for individuals facing domestic or personal crises.

Social Security and Public Safety
Public spaces must be safe and accessible.

We propose:

  • Mandatory footpaths, cycle paths, and wheelchair-accessible paths on all roads.
  • Empowering independent private agencies to monitor and fine drunken or over speeding drivers.
  • Establishing a local government-run night patrol and transport system for late-night safety and emergency response in rural and urban areas.
  • To ensure human safety and public hygiene, all stray dogs will be eliminated on a wartime basis and strict laws will be enacted for the immediate control of stray animals posing a threat to human life or agriculture.

Employment for All
Every citizen under 55 years of age will be offered employment in government or semi-government services for up to 8 years, based on their qualifications.

  • The age limit for appearing in competitive exams for higher government posts, such as the KAS, will be raised to 35–55 years.
  • Retired government employees will receive the universal senior pension, replacing the existing separate pension scheme.

Reviving Agriculture
Kerala’s food security and rural economy depend on revitalizing agriculture. We propose:

  • Simplified leasing laws for agricultural land.
  • Guaranteed support prices for all crops, with state-run markets and storage warehouses in every grama panchayat.
  • Instant cash payments and daily auctions for farm produce.
  • Encouragement of diversified farming practices, ensuring resilience against climate-related crop failures.

    Universal Healthcare
    Kerala must withdraw from profit-driven health insurance models. Instead, we commit to:
  • Upgrading all government hospitals to the highest standards.
  • Providing completely free treatment and medicine to everyone, regardless of income, at all public healthcare facilities.

    Reimagining Education
    Our education policy emphasizes both intellectual and physical labour, promoting a balance between academic learning and practical service.
  • Free, universal, and compulsory education will be ensured for all children up to age 18.
  • Government funding for higher education will be replaced with quality regulation and access equity.
  • Youth between 18–40 years will be encouraged to contribute to essential public sectors such as agriculture, elderly care, healthcare, defence, and disaster response instead of going to classrooms.
  • Those engaged in physical and community-based service will be given priority in higher education access later in life.

Deepening Democracy
True democracy begins at the grassroots. We propose:

  • Amendments to the Kerala Panchayat Raj Act (1994) and Kerala Municipality Act (1994) to deepen decentralization and empower citizens.
  • Banning political party symbols and endorsements in local body elections to refocus on candidates’ merit and local issues.
  • Direct election of panchayat presidents, municipal chairpersons, and mayors, ensuring direct accountability to the people and eliminating political manipulation through no-confidence motions.

    Sustainable Coastal Policy
    Kerala must move beyond destructive sea walls that worsen erosion, damage marine habitats, and hurt tourism and fishing livelihoods. Instead, we propose:
  • Nature-based protection using mangroves, sand dunes, and wetlands.
  • Investment in inland water transportation and coastal shipping, easing road congestion and promoting trade.
  • A coastal strategy that supports eco-tourism, fisher folk, and resilient infrastructure, preserving Kerala’s natural beauty for generations.

A Safer, Greener Energy Future

Kerala’s geography makes large dams dangerous and outdated. Projects like Idukki, Mullaperiyar, and Idamalayar must be phased out. We advocate:

  • Replacing mega dams with small, run-of-the-river hydro projects.
  • A shift to solar and wind energy.
  • Building a clean, decentralized energy grid that respects nature and secures Kerala’s energy future.

Towards Eco Economy
Kerala Citizen Forum envisions a progressive Kerala where tourism and education emerge as two of the state’s major sources of income, alongside agriculture and contributions from the overseas Malayali workforce. By tapping into Kerala’s immense potential as a global destination for eco-tourism, wellness tourism, and cultural experiences, and positioning the state as an international hub for high-quality, inclusive, and innovative education—particularly in areas like computer based sciences, Ayurveda, environmental studies, yoga, art and cultural studies —we aim to create sustainable employment, attract global engagement, and drive equitable development. This integrated approach will strengthen Kerala’s economy while preserving its natural, cultural, and intellectual wealth for future generations.

Towards No Corruption Kerala
To ensure accountability and transparency within the state’s governance, the Kerala Citizen Forum proposes the establishment of an independent and autonomous agency tasked with investigating complaints against gazetted officers in the Police Department, the Justice Department, as well as political leaders—both elected and nominated—holding government office. This agency shall be constituted through a secret ballot by an electoral college comprising all elected members of local self-governments and all present and past members of the Kerala Legislative Assembly. It will function without political or bureaucratic interference and will have a clear mandate to receive, investigate, and act upon public grievances related to misconduct, corruption, abuse of power, or dereliction of duty by individuals in positions of authority. This agency will be a permanent institution, with its members serving a fixed tenure of six years. To ensure continuity and accountability, any vacancy arising due to the completion of tenure or death of a member shall be filled through an annual election conducted by the same Electoral College. Through this democratic and independent mechanism, we aim to uphold the rule of law, reinforce institutional integrity, and restore the people’s trust in the state’s administrative and political systems. 

Our Call to Action
The Kerala Citizen Forum invites all residents of Kerala to join this bold vision. Together, we can build a state that upholds dignity, sustainability, and equity for every individual—where communities are empowered, public resources serve all, and nature is protected as our shared heritage.

Let’s shape a Kerala that belongs to all of us.

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