In a bid to derive maximum mileage after the division of the State, the Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) is promising moon to the voters in the new State with freebies for students, sops for the farm sector, industries and infrastructure finding a pride of place in the manifesto that is ready for release shortly.
The 25-page manifesto, according to TPCC sources, is all about inclusive decentralised economic agenda (IDEA) with focus on six key sectors. It speaks about building a secular, progressive and vibrant Telangana. The manifesto claims credit for the dream of Telangana people coming true by listing out the time line from 1999 to February 18, 2014 when Parliament passed the historic bifurcation Bill.
The manifesto gives a pride of place for the families of all those, who sacrificed their lives for the cause of statehood. The party promises pensions to all the elderly members, widows and unmarried sisters of victims, providing for job to one member of each family, ex gratia and a house. Employees, who went on strike during the ‘Sakala Janula Samme’ would be given salary for the entire period along with special increment.
The development strategy envisaged by the TPCC for what it calls new Telangana State is IDEA with focus on agriculture led rural sector, education, health, industries, infrastructure and welfare. In the agriculture sector, the TPCC manifesto assures that special agricultural budget would be introduced besides establishment of agriculture income advisory commission and agriculture development board. The party announced creation of Godavari Valley Authority and completion of Jalayagnam projects.
E-learning, free laptops
Expansion of primary and secondary schools with e-learning facilities would be focus, the TPCC manifesto says and promises to provide world class science and technology institutes for each district. Students up to degree level would be provided free bus passes. Free laptops to all students pursuing higher education would be provided.
On the health sector, a new organisational functional structure is planned as the manifesto talks about setting up of four super speciality hospitals. Manifesto says special tax holiday for new industries for 10 years, new industrial corridors and making Sircilla and Pochampally Centres of Excellence in apparel designing would done.
MMTS to all districts
On the infrastructure front, six-lane all weather roads would be connected to district headquarters and industrial corridors and MMTS services extended to these places. The manifesto has touched up on the weaker sections with extensive sops being promises to BC, SC, ST and minorities. It talks about BC sub plan and assures of compulsory free education to all OBCs, reasonably constructed houses for them. Pensions for widows, disabled and old aged persons would be enhanced to Rs. 1,000.
On Hyderabad, the manifesto says the brand image of Hyderabad as cultural, administrative and industrial hub would be safeguarded. Security for industries and the staff working there would be provided.
State festivalsKeeping the Telangana tradition alive, Bathukamma festival and Sammakka-Saralamma jatara would be declared State festivals. Religious tourism would be encouraged in Vemulawada, Yadagirigutta, Basar and Kaleswaram while adventure tourism like rock climbing at Bhongir and Ramgir forts is planned. Kawwal, Amarabad and Eturunagaram forests for tiger sighting would be encouraged.
Power sector
Power sector would get a boost with 5000 MW being added to existing capacity. Free power would continue to farm sector with establishment of 30 MW solar units in each mandal. Around 4000 MW power would be supplied to lift irrigation projects.
