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The BJP and its NDA allies released its manifesto for Punjab assembly elections at Jalandhar on 19 February, 2022. Prior to that, the NDA also released its list of 11 Resolutions called ‘Sankalp Patra’ during a press conference in Chandigarh on 04 February, 2022. The NDA Manifesto was released by Union Minister Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, BJP Punjab election in-charge and Union Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhwat, and other senior party leaders, Shri Raninder Singh of PLC and Shri Tejinder Pal Sandhu of SAD (Sanyunkt).
Addressing the media Shri Hardeep Singh Puri said the alliance has made resolution to take number of steps to bring out Punjab from economic crisis.
Speaking on the occasion, former Punjab CM Capt. Amarinder Singh said peace, security and harmony will be the top most priority of the NDA government in Punjab. Punjab needs investment for progress and development. Until there is no peace and harmony, nobody will come forward to invest here. He flagged the concern about repeated attempts by Pakistan to send arms and ammunition and drugs using sophisticated technology. He also gave details of the arms and ammunition recovered during his time as the chief minister.
The manifesto promised to give Rs. 100 crore rupees for revival of the Handloom and handicraft industry of Punjab. New industries in every district shall be developed based on their traditional industrial characteristics. It also promised to establish 3 new dry ports in Jalandhar, Amritsar and Bathinda and to increase the capacity of Sahnewal dry port.
The Sankalp Patra also promises 75 percent reservation for the youth of Punjab in all government jobs and 50 percent reservation in all private jobs. Guaranteed employment for 150 hours per month will be provided to the youth under Saksham Yuva Scheme. The alliance also promised to give 4000 rupees per month to unemployed youth for two years after completion of their degrees. 300 units of electricity will be given free to all, and three rupees per unit will be charged after consumption of 300 units. Here are some key takeaways from the manifesto.
Loan waiver for farmers
It also promised farm debt waiver for farmers having up to five acres of land, MSP for fruits, vegetables, pulses and oilseeds, Rs 5,000 crore for crop diversification, guaranteed 150 hours of work for youth every month under Saksham Yuva Yojana’ and Rs 4,000 per month unemployment allowance for unemployed graduates.
Monetary help for victims of terrorism
The NDA promised relief of Rs 5 lakh to each family of the victims of terrorism during the dark days of militancy and also announced the setting up of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission for redressing the grievances of the families of the terrorist attack victims.
300 Units of free electricity
The NDA has promised 300 units of free power for everyone and Rs 3 per unit after consuming more than 300 units, while power for micro, small and medium enterprises will be charged at Rs 4 per unit and at Rs 5 for the rest of the industry.
Reservation for Women
For women, the BJP promised 33 per cent reservation in the police force, setting up of women police stations and women courts in all districts, Rs 1,000 per month scholarship from post-matric to post-graduate girls, and raising the Anganwadi worker allowance to Rs 10,000.
Old-age pension
It also promised an increase in old-age pension to Rs 3,000 per month spending Rs one lakh crore in the state in five years.