The Congress is determined to achieve development in all spheres in Tamil Nadu, fulfilling the dream of former Congress president K. Kamaraj, according to its election manifesto released by Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee here on Saturday.
Apart from ensuring food, cloth, dwelling, quality education and health care, jobs and equal opportunities for all people, the Congress would ensure that Tamil Nadu topped in economic development and had good governance and honest administration.
The party would strive to make 69 per cent reservation permanent for backward classes and scheduled castes and tribes in both education and employment.
Major problems
The manifesto identified some issues as major problems that required early solution. They include implementation of the Sethu Samudram Project, interlinking of peninsular rivers, Mullaperiyar and Cauvery water issues. “If solution is found to these issues Tamil Nadu will reach the top spot in the country.”
It pointed out that the Democratic Progressive Alliance government led by the Dravida Munnetra Kazhzgam had taken the stand that it would not give up the rights of Tamil Nadu with regard to the Mullaperiyar dam. “Tamil Nadu Congress is determined to see a just and lasting solution to this issue and will initiate action for getting an amicable settlement without affecting relations between Kerala and Tamil Nadu.”
Pointing out that the water from a number of west-flowing rivers ran off into the sea, the Congress said that it would initiate steps to tap that water with the help of Kerala for the benefit of ryots in Tamil Nadu.
Other promises
Other promises include 33 per cent reservation for women in Assembly and Lok Sabha, caste-wise census, clearing the backlog of SC\ST vacancies in various departments, cent per cent literacy in Tamil Nadu by 2016, opening of Navodaya schools in the State and introducing reforms in health-care sector.
The manifesto offered to introduce a “road encroachment prevention law,” to ensure smooth flow of traffic and initiate action against encroachments in urban areas. It planned to set up a commission to protect women police personnel from harassment by colleagues. It suggested appointment of an ombudsman in every district to redress grievances against police stations.
Judiciary Research Foundation
The Congress would strive to form a Judiciary Research Foundation to improve the functioning of the judicial system. To promote industrial development, the manifesto promised sanctioning of all permissions through single window and to ensure adequate supply of power.
The functioning of the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board would be improved. It promised interest-free loan to those in unorganised sector such as launderers, regularisation of 34,000 workers employed by the Tamil Nadu Spirit Marketing Corporation and expeditious implementation of the metro rail project in Chennai.
