Chhattisgarh Cong promises 35 kg rice free to non-tax paying citizens

The Opposition Congress in Chhattisgarh released its election manifesto for the November 2013 assembly elections on Monday afternoon, with a slew of measures for all sections of society.

"Arranging money for the projects would not be a difficult task as Chhattisgarh has been endowed with rich minerals and their exploration would generate ample revenue to implement the announcements," All India Congress Committee Treasurer Motilal Vora said while releasing the manifesto. The election manifesto had been designed after considering all aspects including funds, he said.

Barring income-tax payers, people living above and below the poverty line would get 35 kg of rice free of cost if the Congress forms the next government in Chhattisgarh, the poll manifesto said.

The announcement is seen as a counter to the Raman Singh government's popular subsidised rice schemes. The Congress has also tried to influence 3.4 million farmers of the state. Farmers selling paddy would get Rs 2,000 a quintal, Rs 500 from which would be handed over directly to the female members of the family. The other attraction includes free power to the farmers using pumps up to five horsepower.

There are sops even for those living in urban areas. The party has promised to curtail water tax to just half of the existing structure; withdraw the hike in power tariff and property tax imposed by the Raman Singh government; enhance the unemployment allowance and fill vacant posts in government departments.

The poll promises include sops like free air ambulances to shift patients from interior and inaccessible areas. Base camps would be set up in Bastar and Sarguja to operate these.

The manifesto has put special emphasis on infrastructure development in the state. The party has vowed to take necessary initiatives for setting up airports in Jagdalpur, Ambikapur, Bilaspur and Korba. It would also extend the rail corridor project to the pockets that are not mineral bearing.

Industrialists reluctant to invest in the state even after signing deals with the government, would not face the axe directly. Such agreements would be reviewed and necessary decisions would be taken in the larger interests of the state.