BJP promises various schemes for farmers in poll manifesto

Ahead of Karnataka assembly elections on May 10, the BJP released its election manifesto that promises to set up a Rs 30,000 crore K-Agri Fund to establish micro-cold storage facilities and agro processing units in all Gram Panchyats.

The vision document was unveiled by the BJP national president JP Nadda, in the presence of chief minister Basavaraj Bommai and his predecessor and Lingayat stalwart BS Yediyurappa in Bengaluru on May 1.

It promises to undertake modernisation and digitisation of APMCs, accelerate farm mechanisation, establish five new Agro-Industry clusters and thrre new Food Processing Parks, supported by a 1,000 strong FPO ecosystem.

The manifesto also promised to provide three free cooking gas cylinders to all BPL families annually. Further, the party will broaden the scope of Production Linked Incentive Schemes that will generate 10 lakh jobs eventually in Karnataka.

The document included the implementation of Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in Karnataka based on the recommendations given by a high-level committee which is to be constituted for the purpose. It 

Besides, the party has promised to set up an ‘Atal Aahara Kendra’ in every ward of every municipal corporation in the state to provide affordable, quality and healthy food across the state.

If voted back to power, the BJP will launch the ‘Poshana’ scheme through which every BPL household will be provided with half litre Nandini milk every day and 5 kg Shri Anna - 'siri dhanya' through monthly ration kits.

It also promised to introduce the Visvesvaraya Vidya Yojana under which the state government will partner with eminent individuals and institutions for holistic upgradation of government schools to top class standards.

"We will launch the ‘Samanvaya’ scheme which will drive collaboration between SMEs and ITIs and generate a dynamic ecosystem of education and employment for talented young professionals. We will also provide career support for aspirational youth by providing financial incentives for students to pursue coaching for IAS/KAS/banking/government Jobs," it said.

The party vowed to strengthen the public healthcare infrastructure in the state through ‘Mission Swasthya Karnataka’ by establishing one Namma clinic, equipped with diagnostic facilities, in every ward of municipal corporations. Additionally, we will also provide a free annual master health check-up for senior citizens.

Considered as a triangular contest between the BJP, Congress and the JDS, all parties are trying hard and leaving no stone unturned while some political leaders have indulged in hurling abuses. The Congress, which fought the last Assembly polls in alliance with the JDS, has decided to go it alone this time around.