Chennai: Taking a cue from its ally DMK, Congress on Wednesday released its manifesto, promising that it would implement prohibition, end corruption and set up a Lokayukta, if the alliance is voted to power, in the May 16 Assembly polls.
The manifesto was released by Mukul Wasnik, party in-charge of Tamil Nadu. The first copy was received by TNCC president E.V.K.S. Elangovan at Sathyamurthi Bhavan, party headquarters, here.
Congress said it would provide good governance by ending corruption and assured prohibition. It would set up a Lokayukta and enact the right to services Act to ensure timely delivery of services to people.
It also promised to take steps to bring fishermen under scheduled tribes category. Waiver of loans obtained by farmers from cooperatives and nationalised banks was among the highlights of the manifesto.
Assuring to evolve a comprehensive agriculture, education and industrial policies, the national party said it would ban conversion of fertile lands into housing plots. Farmers above the age of 60 would be provided a pension of Rs 2,000 every month.
It also promised to establish Navodaya schools in all districts. The manifesto promised to properly implement the Right to Education Act that guarantees 25 per cent reservation for the poor and economically weaker sections in private schools.
Hailing the schemes introduced by Congress-led United Progressive Alliance government between 2004 and 2014, the manifesto accused AIADMK government of failing to implement many of the ‘guarantees’ and utilise funds allotted by the Central government, but in some cases, the AIADMK had exploited the same.
It noted that for instance, foodgrain provided under the Food Security Act had been used for Amma canteen, while the national health programme had been renamed as Amma Pharmacy and was being run as a state government scheme.
If the DMK-led alliance comes to power, it would fully implement schemes, including the Food Security Act, Right to Education Act, Mahatma Gandhi Rural Employment Guarantee Act, Forest Rights Act, Right to Information Act and the Hindu Succession Act, the manifesto says.
“The manifesto is our commitment to bring back glorious days once again in Tamil Nadu. It is also a promise to take Tamil Nadu to newer heights in various fields, including human development and infrastructure development,” said Wasnik.
