Himachal polls: Congress attracting voters with 1.50 lakh jobs, interest-free loans for farmers
Shimla, November 1: The political parties have got heavily engaged in attracting the voters to their side soon after the poll bugle sounded in Himachal Pradesh. Notably, the Congress party on Wednesday released its manifesto that promises to strengthen the farm sector by granting interest-free loans to farmers, a creation of 1.50 lakh jobs in the government sector and free laptops to 50,000 college students.
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh, Party’s state affairs in-charge Sushil Kumar Shinde along with other senior party leaders released manifesto for the upcoming assembly polls in the state. Congress party has promised promises to strengthen the farm sector by granting interest-free loans to farmers, creation of 1.50 lakh jobs in the government sector and free laptops to 50,000 college students to attract voters towards them.
The Congress has promised to grant interest-free loans up to Rs 1 lakh and 50,000 laptops with 1GB free data to school students. The document also promises to provide 1.5 lakh jobs if voted to power. Appointment of staff in newly-opened schools and colleges in Himachal Pradesh is also promised in the manifesto. The Congress has also vowed to bring law to deal with incidents of animal attacks on humans.
The manifesto released by Congress also promised enhancement of pension by 5, 10 and 15 percent after the age of 65, 70 and 75 years, with additional increments to employees after fourth, ninth and fourteenth year of service, increasing daily wages to Rs. 350. The Congress also promised decentralization of administrative and financial powers down to panchayat level and continue food subsidy scheme to control price rise.
On this occasion, while talking to media, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh said that his government has ensured the speedy and uniform development of the entire state which is visible on the ground and development and welfare of all sections of people would be the main poll plank. He further said that the manifesto has been prepared by Kaul Singh Thakur-led committee after much deliberation and hard work.
Earlier on Sunday, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has released its vision document named as ‘Swarnim Himachal Drishti Patra’ that focuses on all round infrastructural development, end mafia raj in a state while women's safety, free 'chardham' pilgrimage for the elderly and jobs for youth etc.
BACKGROUND:
Importantly, Himachal Pradesh will vote for all 68 seats on November 9 and the counting of votes will take place a month later on December 18. After Goa, Himachal Pradesh will be the second state with 100% VVPAT coverage. The paper trail machines will be deployed along with EVMs in all the 7,521 polling stations, including 42 auxiliary polling stations at remote locations. The term of current Legislative Assembly ends on 7 January 2018.