Farm sector main agenda of Congress in ensuing Assembly polls

November 1, 2017

Shimla, November 1: The Congress on Wednesday released its manifesto ahead of the Assembly elections in the state.

The manifesto lays thrust on strengthening the farm sector and proposes a Rs 1-lakh interest-free loan and 90 per cent subsidy on anti-hail net.

The manifesto also attempts to woo employees, pensioners and daily wagers. It says the contractual employees would be regularised in two years and pensioners would get substantial hike in pension.

It also promises to enhance social security pensions and those above 75 would get Rs 1,500 old-age pension. As many as 50,000 meritorious students would be given laptops and an Anti-Corruption Grievances Commissioner would be set up as there would be zero tolerance against corruption.

The Himachal Pradesh elections will be held on November 9 and the result will be declared on December 18. The Congress also promises to provide 1.5 lakh jobs.

It says the permit policy in transport sector will be liberalised to create more self-employment opportunities. The VAT on petrol and diesel would be reduced and the GST limit would be enhanced from present Rs 10 lakh to Rs 20 lakh to give benefit to traders, a issue raked by the BJP time and again.

The Congress also promise higher compensation to landowners in land acquisition for four landing and other road projects. It also proposes pension scheme for workers in unorganised sector and says marriage grant to daughters of widows would be increased to Rs 1 lakh.