Sop story: Congress announces sops to all in manifesto

Jaipur, Nov 25 (UNI) The Congress will ensure eight hours of subsidised power supply daily to farmers, constitute the State Kisan Commission, provide cheap power to BPL families and make efforts for 100 per cent literacy in the next five years among other development steps if voted to power in Rajasthan.

The slew of sops and promises comprised the manifesto released by the party here today for the December 4 Assembly polls.

In the 31-page document, released by AICC General Secretary Mukul Wasnik and party state President CP Joshi, the party also assured it would implement the Sachar Committee recommendations for the spread of education among the minorities, start drinking water supply schemes in all revenue villages, protect Rajasthan's due share in all inter-state river water agreements and further strengthen the road network connecting all the villages.

Promising a ''transparent, responsive and accountable government'', if voted to power, the principal opposition party held that it would accord top most priority to farmers' welfare followed by an agenda for the unorganised labourers, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes(OBCs).

Reiterating the party's commitment to spreading literacy, the manifesto assured free education for all girls upto the post-graduate level.

The party would also safeguard the interests of state employees and youths by extending to them all due benefits and creating new employment avenues.

''We will also work to repair the damage caused by the ruling BJP during its five year regime marked by misrule and corruption and re-strengthen peace, prosperity and communal harmony in the state,'' the Rajasthan Congress president said.

UNI SS RR AS1453