CHANDIGARH: A day after severing its three year-old ties with the BJP, the Haryana Janhit Congress (HJC) on Friday released its manifesto for the Assembly elections, promising all-round development, subsidised farming and toll-free roads in the state, besides relocation of upcoming Fatehabad nuclear plant.
HJC chief Kuldeep Bishnoi termed the manifesto ‘Sankalp Patra’. “We promise honest and accountable government in the state,” he said. Bishnoi promised interest-free tractor loans for two years with no registration charges and farming on up to five acres of land will be subsidised with free electricity for tube well and boring facilities. Also, there will be increased compensation for crop damage while loans will be provided to farmers against landholdings at prevailing market prices.
The manifesto also vowed to return the farmlands taken on the name of Special Economic Zone in Gurgaon and amendment of the law to enable the farmers to buy more land against loans on existing land.
Besides, the HJC promised 100 square yards of land for landless families and financial aid for constructing houses. In addition, illegal colonies with a population density of 50 per cent or more will be legalised.
Supporting the new body for managing gurdwaras in Haryana, Bishnoi said the party will allow Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee to function independently and for Punjabi community, Bishnoi said 100 acres of land will be set aside for Punjabis along the NH in Karnal.
Also, a transfer policy will be implemented for government employees so that they do not become victims of political persecution.
For the youth of the state, the HJC promised dual education programmes combined with apprenticeship and free education for boys and girls up to post graduation level. The party’s other promises if voted to power include setting up an university of international standards in the state, opening of girls colleges in all the Assembly segments,interest-free loans for graduates for a period of two years to encourage entrepreneurship,fill up vacant posts in the state within a year and replacing the contract system with permanent appointments in government departments.
As part of its efforts to empower women, the HJC has promised 21 per cent job reservation for women. Also, police stations with female staff will be set up in all sub-divisions.Further, the HJC manifesto has promised to get the Assembly to pass a law for equity in development and employment opportunities. More importantly, Bishnoi said VAT on diesel will be slashed to zero, while that on petrol will be brought down by 50 per cent. “SYL will be launched. This project has been held up since 1996 despite the highest court having ruled in favour of Haryana. The SYL is crucial to Haryana’s agro-industrial set-up and this project will be implemented,” Bishnoi said.