BJP releases poll manifesto: ‘MLAS to disclose assets’
Says will set up battalion of exservicemen to curb drug menace and a 24x7 helpline to fight corruption, mafia raj in the state
SHIMLA : The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday released its election manifesto “Golden Himachal vision document” promising a corruption-free government in the state and saying it will be mandatory for the MLAS to disclose the details of their assets.
In a bid to regain power in the state, the saffron party also promised to set up a battalion comprising ex-servicemen named after the country's first Paramveer Chakra recipient Major Somnath Sharma to curb drug menace.
Union finance minister Arun Jaitely along with state’s top leaders announced to set up a 24x7 Hoshiyar helpline to fight corruption and mafia raj in the state. The helpline will be named after forest guard Hoshiyar Singh who died under mysterious circumstances while on duty. His death led to a political uproar as the public of the area took to streets alleging that the forest guard was killed by timber smugglers.
With corruption in the state being its main poll plank, the vision document promises transparency to eradicate political corruption. The BJP also focused on improving law and order in the state. The party promised the Gudia Yojana to redress crimes against women as a 24x7 Gudia helpline will be started to facilitate women.
The party also promised to set up 24x7 women police stations in each district. Eyeing women vote bank the election manifesto also focuses to set up centres at the panchyat level to empower women. Interestingly, the election manifesto also talks about free pilgrimage for Char Dham Yatra for senior citizens. The document emphasises on developing tourism in the state to generate more self-employment by giving impetus to homestay tourism in rural areas. To improve the farm sector, it also promises electric fencing around fields. It also promises do away with interviews for grade 3 and grade 4 jobs in government sector.