Congress promises one-time settlement of agri loans

Chandigarh, Jan 29 (UNI) Promising a 'vibrant economy' for Punjab, the Congress today resolved to waive penal interest on all cooperative loans upto Rs 50,000 and recommend to the central government one time settlement of all agri loans.

''Prosperity of the people, modern and progessive agriculture with complete social justice for building an egalitarian society and taking Punjab to a higher socio-economic growth would be the resolve of the Congress'', the party's manifesto for the state assembly elections released by AICC general secretary Janardhan Dwivedi here today stated.

While claiming that the Amarinder Singh government had fulfilled all its 66 promises made in the 2002 manifesto, the Congress promised that if voted to power it would strive to make Punjab the number one state in per capita income and Human Development Index (HDI).The manifesto also referred to rejuvenation of the agriculture sector and linking crop diversification to industrialisation.

The party promised restructuring of the agriculture credit system with the facility of Debt Swap to farmers to minimise their burden of debt.

The party resolved to continue its efforts to ensure 'Second Push' to the agri sector through diversification, promotion of horticultre and adoption of extension services to enhance the income of the farmers. Ensuring remunerative Minimum Support Price (MSP) for wheat and paddy, the manifesto promised to introduce MSP for other crops as well.

The party would also ensure restructuring of substantial capital investments in agri business and agro processing and development of livestock and dairy farming.The manifesto promised to reduce the rate of interest on agri loans to five percent and introduce life insurance cover for farmers, agricultural labourers and the rural poor.

MORE UNI