PATHANAMTHITTA: UDF candidate in Pathanamthitta Lok Sabha constituency Anto Antony has said that an action programme for the rehabilitation of the pravasi Keralites, who returned to the State owing to global recession, will be implemented with the assistance of the Union Government, if elected.
Addressing a ‘Meet-the-candidate’ programme organised by the Press Club here on Monday, Anto Antony said that a package for the overall welfare of pravasi Keralites would be vital in view of their contribution to the richness of the constituency.
Scheme for Sabarimala development: The UDF candidate promised a comprehensive scheme for Sabarimala development considering the interests of the pilgrims and worshippers of Lord Ayyappa.
If elected, he assured to chalk out a full-fledged programme to provide the pilgrims the basic facilities such as roads and rail network.
Regarding Sabari rail, Anto Antony said that he would strive for the implementation of the proposed project. He will also focus on the completion of the railway doubling work, which faces uncertainty due to hiccups in land acquisition and lack of funds in the rail budget.
Tourism potential: Anto Antony said that he would focus on projects to tap the tourism potential in the constituency.
Since Pathanamthitta is bestowed with natural tourism spots, projects will be implemented to attract tourists, he said.
Rubber-based industries to be given thrust: To address the industrial backwardness of the district, Anto promised to give thrust on setting up rubber-based industries with the twin objectives of helping the rubber growers and creating employment opportunities.
He alleged that both the Rubber Board and State Government had failed to protect the rubber growers in the wake of fall in natural rubber prices. He said that a separate corpus fund would be set up for the overall welfare of rubber growers and to meet the crisis.
On election prospects, Anto Antony said that he was not aware of the move of the Malankara Orthodox Church to field a candidate in the constituency in the wake of the UDF’s failure to give due representation to the Church.