10.1.17

Congress releases Punjab manifesto


The Congress promised to waive of agricultural debts, jobs for every household, resolution of the Satluj-Yamuna Link Canal issue, cess on liquor and free education for girls.
In its manifesto for the state polls, the Congress said it will end the supply and consumption of drugs completely in the state in a month.

However, with Punjab reeling under a debt of Rs.1.38 lakh crore, unemployment figures touching an all-time high, industry exodus to states like Madhya Pradesh due to high real estate prices and above all a generation in the grip of drugs (as per UNDP figures), it will be a herculean task for the Congress to honour its commitments made in the manifesto, released simultaneously by former PM Manmohan Singh in New Delhi and Manpreet Badal in Chandigarh.

Manpreet, former Akali FM, insisted that manifesto be treated as a legal document for the party and the Election Commission of India should also treat it so. Manpreet added, “funds to the tune of Rs.10,000 crore would be needed for the execution of the manifesto promises, which could be achieved by striking a balance between increasing revenue generation and reducing government expenditure.“

Akalis dole out power subsidy to the tune of Rs.5,600 crore to the farmers. Congress has promised to continue with this, jeopardising industry's interests.

While trying to appease the Dalits, who form 34% of state population, Congress announced free housing for all SCs.

Congress manifesto promises to give Rs.2,500 per month to every youth till jobs are found.


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