NDA vows MSP on fruit, veggies

Chandigarh, February 4

The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance today gave 12 commitments to the people of Punjab, as it sought the mandate for the elections.

The commitments

• End to sand and liquor mafia, drug abuse
• One lakh acre shamlat land to landless growers
• Upgrade of health infrastructure at village level
• Industrial revolution via tax structure simplification
• 33% reservation for women in police jobs

In a bid to woo farmers, who have been antagonistic towards the BJP because of the three (now withdrawn) farm laws, the NDA has promised grant of MSP on fruit, vegetables, pulses and oilseeds, besides granting Rs 5,000 crore annual budget for promoting crop diversification in the state.

The alliance also announced 300 units of free power to all (Rs 3 per unit tariff over 300 units), power supply to MSMEs at Rs 4 per unit, increase in allowances for anganwari workers to Rs 10,000 and ASHA workers to Rs 6,000, enhanced social security pensions to old, widows and physically challenged of Rs 3,000, setting up “Guru Kripa” canteens offering Rs 5 per meal to needy, pucca houses for all, and enhanced compensation to martyrs from defence forces of Rs 1 crore in cash besides a job for kin — a commitment added to the list at the insistence of PLC chief Capt Amarinder Singh.

Union Minister Hardeep Puri said unlike other political parties, the alliance would honour the commitments made to people. — TNS

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