Maharashtra: NCP releases manifesto; announces several freebies if voted to power, but lacks novelty

MUMBAI: From promising pension to farmers and landless agricultural labourers over the age of 65 to free laptops to students who have cleared their 12th standard to building an Islamic cultural centre near Mumbai, the NCP manifesto that was revealed on Thursday seemed to have it all but yet contained nothing of substance.

NCP State Chief Sunil Tatkare on Thursday revealed the Party’s manifesto that was filled with many promises and assurances along with some freebies. The party promised that if voted to power it would build a monorail at Aurangabad, Nashik and Nagpur.

The NCP has promised to reimburse the medical bills up to Rs 3 lakh for the poor admitted to hospitals. Earlier the state government used to reimburse Rs 1.5 lakh of the medical bills.

Every student who has cleared his 12th exams would be eligible or a free laptop. Universities would also have a free Wifi service and every class room in the state would be a 'digitally smart class' Many of the NCP’s promises seemed to cater to the rural populace, for instance the manifesto promises, 'wholesome and healthy food' priced at only Rs 20 at all State Transport bus stands.

Many of the NCP’s promises lacked details for instance the manifesto promised that farmers, labourers and landless agriculural workers over 65 years would be given a pension.

However, there is no mention of the amount that would be given as pension or even whether the payment would be a monthly pension or just a one time payment. Similarly, farmers have been promised that they would get crop insurance, however again there are no details.

‘Pucca houses’ have been promised to slum dwellers in Mumbai who have settled in the city prior to January 1, 2000.