By IANS,
New Delhi : The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Friday promised in its manifesto to waive agricultural loans and provide 35 kg of rice or wheat at Rs.2 per kg for all families below the poverty line (BPL). Highlights of its “putting poor first” promises:
1. All BPL families to get 35 kg of rice or wheat every month at Rs 2 per kg. This will be available against Food Coupons redeemable both at PDS and private outlets.
2. Ensure farm loans at a maximum interest rate of 4 percent.
3. Waive agricultural loans.
4. Introduce a Farm Income Insurance Scheme through which both price and produce will be insured.
5. Irrigate 35 million hectares of additional farmland within five years.
6. Initiate special schemes for the urban poor, such as loans at four percent interest to poor vendors.
7. Set up a Workers Bank to provide a safety net for unorganised sector workers.
8. Revise minimum wages and ensure strict implementation of the Wages Act.