BJP to abolish house tax, increase old age pension: manifesto

Panaji, May 22 (UNI) Total abolition of house tax, introduction of universal mediclaim scheme, minimum employment assurance scheme, smart cards for ration supply and cyberage scheme besides enhanced old age pension are some of the promises made by Goa BJP in its ''people-friendly'' manifesto for the June 2 Goa Legislative Assembly elections.

Former Union Minster Arun Jaitely today released the manifesto.

Explaining the salient features of the manifesto, party's Chief Ministerial candidate Manohar Parrikar said youth would get at least Rs 2,000 to Rs 3,500 per month under the minimum employment assurance scheme pending regular employment. House tax, except for commercial establishments, would be abolished, he said.

Stating that he would not go back on the Rane government's promise of keeping 60 years as superannuation age if came back to power, Mr Parrikar said he would, however, explore the possibility of more voluntary retirement so that the youth were accommodated.

This could be done only through negotiated agreement with the government emplolyees association, he said.

The additional financial committment of Rs 300 crore under the manifesto would be covered easily as the provisions result in yield of more tax revenue and checking of revenue leakages, as the Rane government at present was incurring a revenue loss of Rs 200 crore due to corruption, he said.

He even promised to bring about a comprehensive legislation to control land sale, specially agriculture land on a large scale to keep Goa green and clean besides evolving a regional plan involving all stake holders including NGO's, professionals and Gramsabhas.

Coupon system to rationalise ration distribution, introduction of concessional monthly bus pass system, modification of cyberage scheme so that students can purchase the computers at designated place with ease, introduction of Rs 100 crore scheduled tribes welfare scheme for housing, and employment opportunities and increased landholdings, opening of fast track courts as part of land reforms, assured support price of Rs three per kg for paddy yield and Rs four per litre of milk to all farmers were other salient features of the manifesto.

The manifesto also cited implementation of industrial policy, women, child and social welfare schemes, promotion of art, culture and education, sports and youth affairs, besides urban and rural development.

UNI