United Democratic Front manifesto for the the Kerala Assembly Elections 2011

When elections are due, invariably freebies are offered by the tons! The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) released its manifesto for the 2011 Kerala Assembly Elections and, yes, they are offering plenty of freebies in keeping with the great Indian election tradition.

Here's what they are offering should they win:
1. 36 lakh job opportunities within 5 years. This includes 5 lakh jobs in the IT sector and 3 lakh jobs in the dairy & agricultural sectors.

2. Plenty of industrial investments in the State through corporate houses and NRIs.

3. Re1/- per kg of rice with 35 kg per month for below poverty line (BPL) families and Rs.2/- per kg of rice for other ration card holders.

4. Rs.5000/- for poor women who deliver their babies at Govt. hospitals in the State.

5. Govt. would deposit a certain amount for every baby girl born in a BPL/SC/ST family. This amount could be withdrawn at the age of 18yrs.

6. 40 units of free electricity in homes of plus-two students. A free solar lamp would also be given to them.

7. Rs,1,00,000/- would be invested in roads and rail infrastructure.

8. Promotion of private investments in higher education.

9. Professional colleges will have more seats to attract foreign students too.

10. Databank of pensioners would be created in order to make use of their services in specific areas.

11. Free bicycles to Class X students.

12. Kochi Metro project will be a reality.

13. Farm loans will be given at 3% interest.

14. Interest-free loans for students to buy computers and motor bikes.

15. Stop the exploitation by operators of other State lotteries.

16. Pepper & Horicultural boards will be established.

17. Electricity connections to every household within 1 year.

Is this manifesto a a "Himalayan fraud" as declared by the CPM? Will the UDF really fulfill all these promises if it is voted to power?