JDS promises total farm loan waiver, sops to women in Karnataka manifesto

BENGALURU: The Janata Dal (S), in its 60-page manifesto released on Monday, promised to waive all farm loans in a one-time action and announced a scheme where women who earn less than Rs 5,000 a month and jointly own less than 5 acres with their spouses get Rs 2,000 per month in their bank accounts as "family maintenance."

The manifesto also promises Rs 6,000 per month for all citizens above 65 years and Rs 8,000 for those above 90 years.

The BJP, in its manifesto released on May 4, promised to waive farmloans up to Rs 1 lakh in nationalised and cooperative banks. The Congress has announced an agro-infrastructure corridor for farmers, but made no mention of loan waivers in its manifesto, though party president Rahul Gandhi has promised one at the national level if his party comes back to power in 2019.


The JD(S) has also announced schemes for the welfare of SC/STs, minorities and the youth. The party has promised free education for girls in all courses.

The Congress government in Karnataka, in the current state Budget, has already cleared free education for girls up to post-graduation level. The BJP has promised free education for both boys and girls up to the degree-level and in professional courses.

JD(S) has also promised to set up a skill university in Magadi in the name of Kempegowda, said to be the founder of Bengaluru. Kempegowda is a major icon of the Vokkaliga community to which the Gowdas belong and which is the party’s main support base.