CHANDIGARH: Haryana’s ruling party -- the Congress -- on Wednesday released its manifesto for the Assembly elections. The manifesto focuses on all-round development of the state, including agriculture and women’s empowerment. It also promises a university in every district.
Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda has promised to put the state on a higher growth trajectory. “We do not want to sit on past laurels, but intend to continue the unprecedented path of development growth and prosperity of Haryana in our endeavour to serve effectively. Now, we want to put Haryana on a higher growth trajectory.”
According to the 23-page manifesto, a national-level vegetable and fruit market will be built in every district. A modern ‘Rice Improvement Centre’ will be set up and a basmati festival will also be held annually.
The manifesto states that the government will pay the entire interest of the farmers who repay the short-term loan regularly. Also 50 per cent interest of the farmers who return the long-term loan regularly and the land acquisition policy will be further rationalised. Minimum support prices of potatoes, onions and tomatoes, like other crops, will be fixed to safeguard the farmers from exploitation.
Horticulture and orchard farming will be encouraged by providing free saplings to panchayats while an international-level market will be established at Ganaur in Sonepat to promote sale of horticultural items.
The manifesto has vowed to continue the struggle for Sutlej Yamuna Link canal.