Jaya promises free education, bus passes, bicycles in Kerala

Chennai, Mar 28 (UNI) The ruling AIADMK in Tamil Nadu, which is entering the electoral fray in Kerala for the first time, today promised to provide free education, free bus passes and bicycles to school students, if the people voted for the party in the ensuing assembly elections.

The AIADMK, contesting 54 seats in the neighbouring state, said in its election manifesto released here that it would take steps to check commercialisation of school and college education in the state.

The manifesto, released by party leader and Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, also promised to promote a modern technological revolution, give a fillip to the economy and uplift the standard of living of the people.

The party would also strive to improve the quality of life of women, the poor and the downtrodden, curb price rise and provide an honest, swift, transparent and efficient administration.

Keeping in mind the development of the state, steps would be taken to resume the works stopped at Vilinjam Port in Thiruvananthapuram, it said.

Using the abundant water resources in Kerala, action would be taken to increase power generation and sell the surplus to other states to augment the state's revenue.

The AIADMK also promised to develop Munnar in Idukki district as a world class tourist centre and take necessary steps to attract more tourists to the proverbial God's own land from all over the world.

UNI AKN/WS VV PK BS1803