Mahagathbandhan promises govt jobs, free power, OPS; woos EBCs in manifesto

The Mahagathbandhan released its election manifesto — Bihar ka Tejashwi Pran — in Patna on Tuesday, promising, among other things, government jobs, free power and the old pension scheme.

“We were the first to release the name of our CM face. Today, we are the first to release our manifesto for the Bihar Assembly elections,” said Tejashwi while addressing a joint press conference with leaders of the alliance.

Most of the promises made in the manifesto have already been announced by Tejashwi at public meetings. Tejashwi alleged that PM Narendra Modi, Amit Shah and other NDA leaders had no vision for Bihar.

The RJD warned poll officials against any bias in the conduct of the elections.

The focus of the election manifesto is on government jobs and women. It has promised that one member of every family will have a government job within 20 months of the formation of the new government. Besides, Jeevika workers will be made government employees with a salary of Rs 30,000 a month. The Mahagathbandhan has promised to build five new expressways and IT parks. It will promote dairy-based and agro industries, besides renewable energy and education.

To lure government employees, the Mahagathbandhan has promised to introduce the old pension scheme and increase the social security for widows and the aged to Rs 1,500 per month. It will be further increased by Rs 200 a year. It has also promised hike in social benefit for the disabled to Rs 3,000 a month. It has stated that the Mai Behin Maan Yojana will be started in which all women will be given Rs 2,500 a month. It has promised to increase free power to every household to 200 units.

It stated that it will waive off the fee for all competitive exams and provide free travel to the examination centres.