Manifesto: SAD promises farm debt waiver for small farmers

Ruling Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) on Tuesday released its election manifesto promising farm debt waiver for small farmers, 20 lakh jobs for youth, mega complexes for industry and succour to the poor.

The 'vision document', which was released by Punjab's Deputy Chief Minister and SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal here, has the catchline - 'jo keha so kar vikhaya' (fulfilled what was promised).

"We have delivered what we have promised earlier be it making the Punjab power surplus, introducing unique welfare schemes like aata-daal and Shagun, to providing 100 per cent water and sewerage facilities in 165 towns across the state.

"Now we will do the same in all 12,000 villages besides making cemented streets and putting up solar lights. We are similarly committed to delivering on the promises made on Tuesday," Badal said on the occasion.

A new initiative to give 5 kg sugar at the rate of Rs 10 per kg and 2 kg ghee for Rs 25 per kg would also be implemented, Badal said.

He said that free power and other facilities being given to farm sector will continue.

Wooing the farmers, Badal announced the SAD-BJP alliance was committed to waiving off farm debts of all small farmers. He said the alliance government would also give fertiliser input incentive of Rs 100 per quintal on both wheat and paddy as an additional support to farmers over and above the minimum support price (MSP).