The Congress on Friday released its poll manifesto for the Haryana assembly polls, promising loan waiver for farmers, 33 per cent reservation to women in government jobs besides host of other promises.
In another potentially controversial promise, it said 75 per cent jobs will be given to the youth of Haryana in private sector industries and establishments.
For the farmers in the predominantly agricultural State, the party promised to ensure that their loans are waived off within 24 hours of application, and said the benefit would also be provided to landless farmers.
Former chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda said there was wide consultation among people of various sections of society while drafting party’s manifesto for this election. "The suggestions of thousands of people including youth have been incorporated in the manifesto," he said.
Congress general secretary and in-charge Haryana, Ghulam Nabi Azad alleged that Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is believed in publicity without executing its poll promises. "They run the government on Television. However, Congress believes in execution of promises mentioned in its manifesto for the betterment of the people. There is a special focus on women in the manifesto which will be fulfilled after party comes into power in the State. The party had earlier executed its manifesto during previous government and would do the same in future," he said.
When Azad's reaction was sought on Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s question on Congress leadership’s view on abrogation of Article 370 and 35A in Jammu and Kashmir, he steered clear saying it was mentioned in the Indian Constitution and PM Narendra Modi implemented it and has now become law. It is not an issue now, he added.
WOMEN CENTRIC MANIFESTO
Describing party’s manifesto as 'Sankalp Patra', Kiran Choudhary, chairperson, Congress Manifesto Committee said, “We have promised free rides in Haryana roadways buses. The party also promised 50 per cent reservation for women in Panchayati Raj institution, municipality corporations and city councils. Choudhary announced a loan waiver for farmers in the State if voted to power. The party also promised to give an annual scholarship of Rs 12,000 to students belonging to Scheduled Castes and extremely backward class from Class 1 to 10 and Rs 15,000 for those in Class XI and XII, she said.
She further said that a scheduled caste commission will be set up if the Congress comes to power in the State. A special probe panel will also be established to inquire into alleged scams under the BJP-led Haryana government, she added. Expressing concern over drug menace in the State, she said that special task force will be formed to keep a check on it.
Choudhary said that on the pattern of neighbouring Punjab where the Congress rules, the party announced it would provide free electricity to those farmers with holdings up to two acres. Upto 300 units per month, power will be free and above 300 units, rate will be halved. “We will ensure that “Kisan Krishi Utpad Mandi” fee will be decreased from 2 per cent to one per cent. We will also ensure that annual installments for crop insurance will be paid by the government. Party will also ensure that farmers are paid timely and full compensation by insurance companies. We will ensure a compensation of Rs 12,000 per acre to farmers on account of crop failure due to drought, natural calamities, among others.
The Congress leader further said that for widows, disabled, divorced and unmarried women, the party promised to provide a pension of Rs 5,100 per month.
HARYANA BURNT THRICE UNDER BJP, SAYS SELJA
Haryana Congress president Kumari Selja said the state burnt thrice under the rule of BJP’s Manohar Lal Khattar and crime against women has grown abnormally high. “Haryana burnt thrice in the past five years," Selja said in an apparent reference to the violence in the state during incidents related to self-styled godmen - Rampal and Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh and Jat agitation. Eighty people died in incidents of police firing, she said while addressing the media at the release of the party''s manifesto for the October 21 assembly polls.
She said the crime rate was 36 per cent and there was a substantial increase in rape cases. Vowing to expose the Khattar government, Selja said unemployment and plight of the farmers were key poll issues. "The unemployment stood at 28.7 per cent, the highest in the country. In the age group of 15-19 years, the unemployment was 96 per cent, while in 20-24 years, it was 65 per cent," she said. A special probe panel will be established to inquire into alleged scams under the government, she said. Expressing concern over drug menace, Selja said a task force would be formed to check it. Besides this, the party promised to bring in a strong legislation to check the menace of mob lynching.