In its Rajasthan Assembly election manifesto, the Bharatiya Janata Party on Wednesday promised five per cent reservation to Gujjars, and seven other tribes, as a special backward class after removing “all constitutional impediments,” and rehabilitation of Hindu refugees mainly from the Sindh province of Pakistan. Describing the 60-page manifesto as its Suraj Sankalp Patra , the BJP announced its commitment to good governance. Party president Rajnath Singh released it in the presence of State unit chief Vasundhara Raje. The BJP promises agricultural loans to farmers at 1 per cent interest, creation of 15 lakh jobs, 24-hour power supply to domestic consumers, development of educational infrastructure for minorities and establishment of a separate Ministry for cow rearing.
Ms. Raje said the BJP, if elected to power, would ensure development of all marginalised sections and formulate special policies for development of tourism, mining, women and children. There would also be special schemes for welfare of the disabled, backward sections and professionals in different fields.
She said the BJP would enact a law for security of farmers and ensure development of the dairy sector, besides strengthening the Panchayati Raj institutions and making women self-sufficient in different sectors.
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In addition to Gujjars, the Raika, Rebari (Dewasi), Banjara, Baldia, Labana, Gadia Luhar and Gadoliya castes would get the benefit of five per cent quota as a special backward class.