Lucknow, Feb 9 (KNN) Congress, in its manifesto for UP Assembly Elections, has promised to come up with a New Industrial Policy with emphasis on micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) sector along with other initiatives.

The manifesto was released in the presence of senior party leaders Ghulam Nabi Azad, P.L. Punia and former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit. As Uttar Pradesh goes to polls in seven phases, starting February 11, let’s have a look at some key highlights of the party’s manifesto:

1.  To match BJP’s promise to waive loans for farmers, Congress came up with ‘Qarza Maaf, Bijli Half’ slogan as party’s prime issue taken in the manifesto. The party promised the welfare scheme that proposes to waive off loans of debt ridden farmers and reducing the price of electricity for farmers and artisans by half.

2.  A new Industrial Policy with emphasis on micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) sector.

3.  Setting up of state-of-the-art warehouses, cold storages, agro-processing industries, as also launching of crop and livestock insurance have been promised by Congress.

4.  Push for better implementation of credit facilities for small-scale industry and self-employment.

5.  The party has also proposed a new Uttar Pradesh Skills and Employment Mission for skilling youths and ensuring jobs for 50 lakh youths. A separate cell looking after job creation is proposed to be created within the Chief Minister’s office.

6.  Promising incentives for minorities, the party proposes a scheme to encourage young entrepreneurs to start their businesses.

7.  It has proposed to reform the Mandi system while optimising fertiliser distribution in the state. It also promises farmers that they will be provided returns over and above the MSP announced by the Central Government by establishing an Agricultural Price Commission.

8.  Police reforms is another focus area in the manifesto.

9.  The party has proposed 50% reservation for women in Panchayat elections.

10.  The Manifesto promises to launch Kanya Sanshaktikaran Yojana to ensure Rs 50,000 to Rs 1 lakh for every girl child when she turns 18, besides scholarships to women pursuing higher studies.

11.  It vows to ensure special protection for the most backward and oppressed groups among Dalits to help them get better access to jobs and education.  The manifesto said the party shall appoint a Diversity Commission and a Vikas Mitra in every block to ensure delivery of all schemes.

12.  The party vowed to provide free legal aid to all members of the SC, ST, OBC communities and appoint Suraksha Mitra to assist in filing of cases committed against Dalits.

13.  Additional grants for marriage of girls belonging to these communities and provision of special financial assistance to them to start their own business besides medical and housing facilities have also been promised in the document.

14.  The manifesto also listed its thrust areas to boost infrastructure and promised to ensure food security by providing wheat and rice at Rs 3 and Rs 2 a kg, giving nutritious meal in Mid Day Meal scheme and revamping Public Distribution System.

15.  It promised to provide free school education for every girl child and give free bicycles to girl students from Class IX to XII.

The Congress also described its coming together with Samajwadi Party as "an important moment" in the history of country's politics.

The Congress is contesting in 105 constituencies while the SP led by Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav is contesting in 298.  (KNN Bureau)