PUDUCHERRY: The election manifesto of the All India NR Congress released by its president N Rangasamy has promised free washing machines to all families possessing ration cards in the Union Territory, a la Congress which has promised free television sets.
The party, if voted to power, would provide free computers for all tenth standard students and lap tops for students pursuing engineering and medicine. The party has promised free bikes to students who secure first five positions in plus two and the 10th board examinations.
Scholarships under the Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Financial Assistance Scheme would be provided to all students pursuing engineering, medical and higher education, as had been the case when Rangasamy was the chief minister. Free education for students in private and government colleges would be ensured. Another government medical college would be started at Karaikal.
At least one person per family would be assured of a job, with a government job being provided for families without any of its members holding one such job. Residential schools would be constructed for Adi Dravida students. A night school in the name of Kamaraj for educated and unemployed youth would be started.
If property was purchased in the name of one’s mother who was at least 60 years old, then a 75 per cent rebate would be given on stamp duty at the time of registering the property.
Ration card holders would be given 10 kg of rice through PDS, while BPL families would get 25 kg. For Adi Dravidars, Rs 5 lakh would be given towards housing under the Special Component Plan. Free two-wheelers would be provided to women SHGs.
Old age pension and other pensions for widows and spinsters would be enhanced to Rs 2,000 from the present Rs 750, while all above 85 years would be given an assistance of Rs 5,000.
All the textile mills of AFT, Bharathi and Swadeshi would be modernised and new employment opportunities created for close to 2000 youth.
Puducherry would be developed into a software city: On the administrative side, special category status for Puducherry, devolution of powers to local bodies, new legislative assembly complex and separate university are among the other assurances.
