'Anti-PC' SP promises free laptops if voted to power
(Times of India : Unemployed Allowance for Unemployed Having Age 35 OR More Than 35 Years )
LUCKNOW: The Samajwadi Party on Friday released its 'please all' manifesto for UP assembly elections to be held in February. The highlight of the manifesto was SP's promise to provide free tablet to every student passing class 10th and a laptop to students passing class 12th from a government school.
The move is being seen as SP's bid to break its image of anti-English and anti-computer. It is also being seen as the impact of SP chief Mulayam Singh Yadav's son Akhilesh, who is tech savvy and is all set to be Mulayam's successor can be seen in the manifesto. In previous elections, Mulayam in his manifesto had said that computers will be removed from the government offices in order to provide jobs to more people.
The entire SP top brass including Mulayam, his brother Ram Gopal and Azam Khan were present on the release of the manifesto. A large number of promises have been made covering all sections of the society.
For Muslims, SP has promised reservation in government jobs and educational institutions on the basis of reservation, if voted to power. The party has also assured to mount pressure on the Centre for implementation of recommendations of the Rangnath commission and Sachar committee reports. The party has also promised that if voted to power, it would implement the recommendations of the Sachar and Rangnath Mishra committees falling under the ambit of the state government. Besides, a commission will be set up to suggest ways for uplifting socially and economically backward Muslims. The party manifesto has also promised that wakf property rules will be amended as demanded by the Muslims.
The party has also promised that there would be ban on land acquisition except in urgent circumstances. The acquisition would be done with the consent of farmers and the compensation given would be six times higher than the circle rate. If the land is not utilised for three years, it would be returned to the farmers. It also promised loans at four per cent interest to small and marginal farmers, pension to those above 65 years and loan waivers. The manifesto has also assured that more cold storage will be constructed to store perishable agriculture produce like potato.
The manifesto said the party would not allow Foreign Direct Investment in retail sectors at any cost and give tax concessions to small traders. The manifesto also promised that students union elections will be held at the earliest. The age limit of appointment in government jobs would be increased to 35 years. The party has also assured Rs 12,000 per annum unemployment allowance for those who are of 35 years but unemployed. The kanya vidhta dhan scheme in which girl students were helped financially after class 10th will be revived. The manifesto also promises free electricity to weavers.
News : Times of India (20-Jan-2012)
