SOPs to various sections, Gujjar reservation on Congress manifesto

JAIPUR: SOPs to farmers, students, senior citizens and other sections of the society, besides ensuring five per cent reservation to Gujjar and other communities are part of the Congress manifesto announced today.

The party promised time-bound implementation of the manifesto if it retained power in the forthcoming assembly elections in Rajasthan.

Congress said it is committed to ensuring five per cent reservation under the ambit of law to Gujjar, Raika, Banzara and Gadiya Luhar communities.

"We want to strengthen our existing social welfare schemes and programmes. The party is confident about forming the next government and promises made in the manifesto will be fulfilled," Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said after releasing the manifesto along with other leaders.

"Our government will approve the poll manifesto in a Cabinet meeting after formation of the government and give it to officers to ensure its implementation. We fulfilled most of the promises we made in the manifesto during the 2008 elections," Gehlot said.

The ruling party also promised power supply for farming at subsidised rate, adequate arrangement to purchase crop from farmers on MSP, extending existing interest-free loan policy for farmers, cheaper loan to purchase milking animals and safe drinking water in rural households.

Solution to problems of para teachers, urdu para teachers, lok jumbish mitras, Anganwadi workers were also promised. Besides, time-bound promotions, free computer training to at least one member of economically weaker families and WiFi network at major centers are mentioned.

Identification of places for roadside vendors, plots for artisans on concession rates, apex bank for women only and basic amenities on priority basis in Dalit colonies were also promised.

For youths, five lakh new job opportunities in five years were promised.

The party also promised that counting of trees and their social audit will be conducted. Scheme for conservation of rivers, lakes and ponds besides strengthening of rivers' distributaries and policy for CNG vehicles to make the state pollution free will also be formulated.

It promised a sensitive, transparent government with zero corruption and zero harassment.