Will work for autonomy of Indian states: PMK

PMK founder S. Ramadoss on Friday released his party's 94-page manifesto for the Lok Sabha elections which places special focus on states' autonomy besides promising total prohibition.

It also announced a monthly financial assistance of Rs 4,000 to all unemployed youths in the country who were registered with employment exchanges for five years.

Talking to reporters, Ramadoss said that devolution of power was an 82-year-old dream that started before the country's independence.

The Central government must share powers with the state government and act as "a joint family leader".

"Only if we have autonomy, the Centre will not interfere in our state's rights and we can grow as well," he said.

The manifesto promised action for release of all the seven life convicts in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case, implementing of total prohibition and imposition of 100 per cent 'bad tax' on tobacco products.

Ramadoss also promised waiver of loans obtained by farmers from PSU banks up to Rs 1 lakh.

He also announced waiver of interest on the balance of loan amount for those who had availed more than Rs 1 lakh, if the loan was paid on time.

Ramadoss said the PMK would also urge the states to waive the loans availed by farmers in cooperative societies, with the Centre bearing a portion of the amount.

--IANS

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