Ahead of the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections, the United Democratic Front (UDF) released a manifesto promising a range of welfare and development measures across sectors, including social security, employment, agriculture, healthcare, women's empowerment and youth welfare.

After assuming office, the government led by Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan presented its first budget on Friday (June 19). While some of the manifesto commitments have found a place in the budget (Kerala Budget 2026-27 (revised)) and government policy, several others are yet to receive detailed announcements or full financial backing.

Free KSRTC travel for women implemented

One of the key promises in the UDF manifesto was free travel for women on Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses.

The scheme was implemented on June 15 as part of the Indira Guarantee programme. The budget has earmarked ₹600 crore to provide free travel for women on KSRTC services.

No increase in welfare pensions

The UDF had promised to raise social security welfare pensions to ₹3,000 per month.

However, the first budget did not announce any increase in social security welfare pensions.

Oommen Chandy health insurance scheme receives initial allocation

The manifesto had promised an Oommen Chandy Health Insurance Scheme providing coverage of up to ₹25 lakh for all families.

The budget has given importance to the healthcare sector, but only ₹10 crore has been allocated for the initial phase of work related to the proposed scheme.

Monthly assistance for college students yet to be announced

The UDF had promised monthly financial assistance of ₹1,000 for female college students.

Higher Education Minister Roji M. John had claimed that the scheme would be implemented during the current academic year. However, the budget did not include a provision for the promised monthly assistance.

Interest-free loan scheme for young entrepreneurs

The manifesto promised interest-free loans of up to ₹5 lakh for young entrepreneurs.

The budget places emphasis on entrepreneurship and job creation. However, the scheme has not been announced in the form promised in the manifesto.

ASHA workers' honorarium unchanged in budget

The UDF had promised to increase the honorarium of ASHA workers to ₹21,000.

The budget did not announce any further increase in their honorarium. However, after the Satheesan government assumed office, the honorarium was increased by ₹3,000. A total of ₹78.40 crore has been been allocated for this purpose.

Higher honorarium for anganwadi workers and helpers

The budget provides for an increase in the monthly honorarium of anganwadi workers and helpers.

An allocation of ₹66.2 crore has been made to raise their monthly honorarium by ₹1,000.

Rubber support price raised, but below manifesto promise

The UDF manifesto had promised to ensure a support price of ₹300 per kg for rubber and to establish a rubber company on the model of Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL).

The budget raised the support price of rubber to ₹250 per kg. No announcement was made regarding the proposed rubber company.

Wayanad tribal university

The manifesto had also promised the establishment of a Tribal University in Wayanad.

The proposed university was announced in the budget.

Karunya and Sruthitharangam schemes to continue

The UDF had promised to revive schemes such as the Karunya Benevolent Fund and Sruthitharangam.

The budget includes provisions related to both schemes. It said pending liabilities under the Karunya scheme would be cleared in phases and measures would be taken to improve its effectiveness. The government has also said the functioning of the Sruthitharangam scheme would be strengthened.