JDS chief and former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda on Saturday promised to waive all loans availed by farmers, weavers, fishermen and artisans, even as it came out with a separate manifesto for Bangalore, ahead of May 5 Karnataka assembly elections.
If it came to power, state subsidy would be given on fertilisers, while seeds and tractors would get 75 per cent subsidy, according to the manifesto, released by Mr. Deve Gowda and state unit president H.D. Kumaraswamy.
“Under ‘Raitha and Kooliarmika Kalpavriksha Nidhi’ (fund for farmers and labourers), Rs. 500 would be given for women head of the family for seeds and fertilisers”, it said, adding, Rs. 65,000 crore would be set aside for five years to irrigate 10 lakh acres.
The party promised introduction of pension schemes for farmers, agricultural labourers, fishermen, weavers and rural artisans, and payment of Rs. 5,000 over 12 months for pregnant women to “prevent malnutrition“.
Old age pension of Rs. 5,000 and Rs. 8,000 would be paid for those above 70 years and 80 years, respectively, while patients undergoing dialyses would get Rs. 6,000 per month. Old age homes would be built in all panchayats.
English medium would be introduced from fifth standard in all government schools.
The party said the Justice Sachar committee report would be implemented. 35,000 sites would be distributed in Bangalore every year. Encroached government land here would be recovered, according to the manifesto. Environmentally hazardous mining would be banned.
Seven universities would be started for skill training of the youth, it was stated.
