By IANS,
Bhopal : The Congress in Madhya Pradesh Wednesday promised a bonanza to farmers and poor people if elected to power in the state following the Nov 27 assembly elections.
The party promised interest free farm loans, free electricity for motors up to 5 horse power (HP) used for irrigation and wheat at Rs.2 per kg to the Below Poverty Line (BPL) families.
State Congress president Suresh Pachauri said here that the Congress would initiate a number of measures for the welfare of the people when it assumes power. He was speaking to reporters after senior party leader Pranab Mukherji released the party’s manifesto for the elections.
He said his party’s government would waive off farm loans. It also promised waiver of disputed electricity bills of farmers and adequate power supply.
Pachouri said the Congress government will provide wheat at Rs.2 per kg to the BPL families and very poor families under the Antyodaya category will be charged one rupee. Salt will be given free to both the categories of people.
The poor families will be given a subsidy of Rs.2 on every litre of kerosene and 35 kg of foodgrains every month under the public distribution system.
Besides, a commission – Indira Gandhi Garibi Hatao Ayog (Indira Gandhi Poverty Alleviation Commission) – will be constituted for the welfare of the poor. Its representatives will be picked up from among the poor.
A health insurance scheme called ‘Rajiv Gandhi Aarogya Shree Jeevan Bima Yojana’ will also be launched to provide free treatment to BPL families in government hospitals.
Pachauri said the party’s government will provide special allowance to unemployed youth, while a new policy will be formulated for employment to local residents on priority bases in industries and private institutes.
The Congress said the students from rural areas will be provided loan at three percent annual interest for higher studies, while long-term loans will be provided to youth from all sections of society on basis of merit.
A new scheme will be introduced for the girl child, who will receive Rs.200,000 on attaining maturity. A new women policy will also come into force for the overall welfare of women.
This is besides creation of a special cell for implementation of Sachar Committee recommendations for welfare of minorities.