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Akali Dal manifesto promises to tame price spiral, generate jobs

`If in power, party will unleash State's development potential'

JALANDHAR: Shiromani Akali Dal, the main Opposition party in Punjab, on Saturday released its manifesto for the upcoming State Assembly elections, promising to arrest the price spiral, generate adequate employment and provide self-sufficiency in the power sector.

The manifesto, released here by party president and former Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, said that if returned to power the Dal would unleash the State's development potential in all spheres.

The party would provide flour and pulses to the poor at Rs. 4 and Rs. 20 per kg respectively and initiate measures to improve the lot of neglected sections of society.

On sensitive matters, the manifesto said a relentless struggle would be waged to secure justice for the State on issues like river water and transfer of Chandigarh and other Punjabi-speaking areas to Punjab.

To provide relief to farmers, Mr. Badal said a "one-time debt settlement scheme" and "staggered debt transfer plan" would be formulated and sent to the Centre for consideration.

A new scheme to provide free health insurance cover amounting to Rs. 2 lakh for every farmer and landless labour would be introduced in the event of his party coming to power, he said.

The manifesto said the party would take bold measures to propel the State into a higher orbit of economic growth.

A major push would be given to agriculture and trade and industry, it said, adding that efforts would be made to make the power sector self-sufficient.

Massive investments would be made in agriculture, trade and commerce and educational sectors for fast-paced socio-economic development of the State, the manifesto said. - PTI.

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