The Madhya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) here on Tuesday released its manifesto for upcoming civic bodies elections in the State promising employment creation, regularisation of illegal colonies, implementation of single-tax system and corruption-free system in a bid to woo the electorate.
While talking to media persons, PCC Chief Arun Yadav said, “Under the manifesto, the Congress has promised to merge various taxes, including water, under the property tax in order to prevent residents from the trouble of paying multiple taxes.”
“Besides, the party would pay attention on civic amenities such as proper disposal of wastes, tackling the menace of stray animals, ensuring BPl (Below Poverty line) cards for eligible families and maintaining cleanliness in drains,” he said.
The nine-page manifesto promised making purified drinking water available at public places, laying new water and drainage lines for civic bodies and pipelines for colonies and areas in the outskirts. The Congress’ election document contained a plethora of promises and commitments concerning social security schemes, simplification of processes, public health, urban transport, vehicle parking, road laying, environment, beautification, drainage and pollution control besides other aspects of local governance.
On the occasion, Yadav alleged that the BJP was in power in 12 municipal corporation out of total 14, in the state but no development took place despite the fact that the then United Progressive Alliance Government sent it funds for the purpose.
“We will construct 25 toilets for women only in each of the state’s metro cities if the people bless us with power in the coming local body elections in Madhya Pradesh,” stated the Congress manifesto. The toilets will be maintained by women only, it said.
Senior Congress leader and former minister Sajjan Singh Verma was also present during the release of the manifesto for the local body polls to be held later this month and in the first week of December.
The manifesto also promised construction of similar facilities near public places, railway stations, bus stands, main squares, gardens and religious places to deal with the problem of shortage of toilets there.
Focusing on cleanliness, the manifesto said that on the lines of Telangana’s Suryapeth and Tamil Nadu’s Namkallam, the cities in Madhya Pradesh will be made totally clean with the help of people.