Punjab elections: Congress promises cash sops for girl child

CHANDIGARH: Congress has attempted to woo farmers, industry, BPL families, women and ex-servicemen in its election manifesto for Punjab released here on Sunday. The party slogan for the polls is, 'navi soch, nava Punjab' (new thinking new Punjab).

Considering the poor track record of the Shriomani Akali Dal and Congress in implementing promises made in manifestoes, and deteriorating fiscal health of state, it remains to be seen how Congress will fund the promised schemes. The state has a debt of 72,000 crore and pays a 8,000 crore instalment to Centre every year.

"If you look at the statistics, there were 13 lakh BPL families during Congress regime, which catapulted to 20 lakh by the end of Akali regime. Where will these people go? We need to uplift them. No doubt we have to show fiancial prudence," said Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh, while justifying his stance on subsidies.

For the betterment of womenfolk, the manifesto promises to give monetary incentives to poor families who have a girl child. The amount will be depositied with LIC and insurance companies in phases and girl children will get scholarships and a lump sum amount on reaching 18 years. "Under the scheme, payment of 15,000 will be paid at the time of birth of girl. 5,000 will be given at the time of admission in classes 1st, 6th, 9th and 12th," Singh said. The party has also more than doubled the amount of Shagun scheme, started by SAD-BJP combine from 15,000 to 31,000, for the marriage of girls belonging to poor families.

Besides promising to strengthen the institution of Lokayukta, the party will dedicate a 100 crore venture capital fund to attract small and medium enterprises to the state. To support entrepreneurs belonging to Scheduled Castes, a procurement policy will be implemented that reserves 20% of purchases by the state government and public sector entities from the micro and small enterprises run by such entrepreneurs.