Tamil Nadu’s ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam on Sunday released its election manifesto for the Assembly polls, promising to double the monthly handout given to each of the 1.3 crore women under the Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai scheme to Rs 2,000, The Hindu reported.

The party also proposed the Illathu Arasi scheme, under which a Rs 8,000 coupon would be provided to all “non-income tax paying” homemakers to buy any electronic home appliances based on their needs.

The manifesto said that the old-age pension would be increased to Rs 2,000 from Rs 1,200, while persons with disabilities would receive Rs 2,500, the newspaper reported. The income ceiling for the Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme would be Rs 5 lakh per year and the insurance coverage increased to Rs 10 lakh.

The manifesto also proposed several schemes for farmers, including the installation of motors without meters for those receiving free electricity. It further promised to increase the procurement price to Rs 3,500 for a quintal of paddy and Rs 4,500 for a tonne of sugarcane.

The manifesto promised to extend the Chief Minister’s Breakfast Scheme for students up to Class 8, The Hindu reported. This would benefit an additional 15 lakh students.

It said that five lakh new houses would be constructed under the Kalaignar Kanavu Illam scheme, in addition to 10 lakh under an urban housing development scheme.

“The manifesto will enter the fray as a superstar,” Chief Minister MK Stalin said while unveiling the document.

The elections will be held in the state on April 23. The counting of votes will take place on May 4.

Also read: The cash handout burden and its underlying politics