Judicial powers to Wakf Board if Cong comes to power in T'gana

The Congress on Tuesday promised to give free power supply to all temples, mosques, churches and other places of worship, and judicial powers to the Wakf Board, if it came to power in Telangana.

The manifesto, unveiled today, also talked about a sub-plan for minorities to allocate and budget in proportion to the population.

Scheduled Tribes would be given reservation quota proportionate to their population in the state, it said.

The manifesto said funds would be released for repair of temples, mosques, and churches by introducing a "proper system".

Transgenders would be given "constitutional rights", it said, adding, they would be given monthly pension of Rs 3,000.

The party promised to waive crop loans up to Rs two lakh in one go.

"Agriculture Department will be converted into Department of Farmers' welfare. Ex-gratia will be given to the families of farmers who committed suicide after formation of Telangana," it said.

Unemployment allowance of Rs 3,000 per month would be given to jobless youth, the Congress said.

Financial assistance of Rs 1,50,116 would be given for the marriage of poor girls, according to the manifesto.

Twenty per cent of the state's budget will be allocated for education, the party assured.

"This a people's manifesto. This is unique, which stands for poor, dalits, students...", AICC in-charge of Telangana, R C Khuntia said.

The manifesto said Lokayukta would be established and the chief minister, all ministers and other officials would be brought under its purview.