Congress, ally UDP release separate manifestos

The ruling Congress in Meghalaya and its ally in the government, the United Democratic Party (UDP), on Monday separately released their manifestos for the February 23 Assembly polls.

The parties promised inclusive development, more subsidised LPG cylinders, 'incentives' for women and retirement benefits for accredited journalists.

In the manifesto, the Congress promised to create two new districts, four sub-divisions and as many community and rural development (CnRD) blocks, two LPG cylinders apart from the nine provided by the Centre at subsidised rates.

It said, Rs 15,000 assistance would be given to orphan girls for marriage and reservation for women in police and 10,000 jobs for them by creating women centric industries.

Releasing the manifesto, All India Congress Committee general secretary in charge of Meghalaya, Oscar Fernandes, spelt out the priorities highlighted by the party.

Appealing the people to vote for the party, Fernandes said everything -- power, industry, irrigation, agriculture, education, law and order -- found a place in the manifesto.

Chief Minister Mukul Sangma said, an effective new law for social audit of all government programs involving the stakeholders would be introduced as a strong and effective deterrent to corruption at higher places.

The UDP, on the other hand, listed corruption as its top priority to deal with and promised of retirement benefits to accredited journalists.

Deputy Chief Minister B M Lanong released the manifesto that also highlighted issues like connectivity, power, agriculture, proper demarcation of national and international borders and improving sports infrastructure.

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