HJC promises free power to small farmers

A day after snapping itsthree-year-old ties with BJP, Kuldeep Bishnoi-led Haryana Janhit Congress on Friday announced its manifesto for the assembly elections, promising equitable development, subsidised farming and toll-free roads in the state.

Announcing the party's 79-point agenda, Bishnoi described the manifesto as 'Sankalp Patra' and said, "We promise honest and accountable government in the state."Addressing the media here along with his brother and ex-MLA Chander Mohan, he said, "The manifesto echoes the aspirations of the masses at the grassroot and reflects a thorough understanding of the issues and concerns shared during my workers' meeting, tractor yatra and Vijay Abhiyan Yatra across all 90 constituencies of Haryana."

Pitching for "equity in development", Bishnoi promised interest-free tractor loans for two years with no registration charges. He said framing on upto 5 acres of land will be subsidised with free electricity for tubewell and boring facilities.

He also promised higher compensation for crop damage and loans for farmers against landholdings at current market prices.

In the manifesto, the party has vowed to ensure return of farmlands "unscrupulously" seized in the name of Special Economic Zone in Gurgaon to farmers and amendment of law to enable farmers to buy more land against loan on existing land.

For the youth, he promised dual education programmes combined with apprenticeship and free education for boys and girls up to MA level.

He also promised to set up a university of international standard in the state and opening of girls colleges in all assembly segments. He said the eligibility tests for jobs will be eliminated, if his party came to power.

Bishnoi also talked about passing of a law in the Assembly for equity in development and employment opportunities.

Describing SYL Canal as a lifeline for Haryana, Bishnoi promised to implement the project at the earliest.

"SYL will be launched. This project has been held up since 1996 despite the highest court having ruled in favour of Haryana. SYL is crucial to Haryana's agro-industrial set-up and this project will be implemented," he said.