To counter Centres LPG cap,BJP promises free induction heaters

To reduce dependence on costly LPG cylinders,we will provide relief to all households,who number approximately 14 lakh.

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The BJP has promised a free induction heater to every household in Himachal Pradesh,the highlight of a manifesto that has something for practically every section,including youths,farmers,students,traders,women,senior citizens and government servants.

To reduce dependence on costly LPG cylinders,we will provide relief to all households,who number approximately 14 lakh. We will provide free induction heaters to all families. Since power tariffs in Himachal Pradesh are the lowest in the country,induction heaters will reduce their dependence on LPG, said Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal,who released the manifesto in the presence of top party leaders.

The manifesto promises free medicines in government hospitals,hike in daily wages,jobs for 10 lakh youths,higher social security pensions,and cheaper loans for farmers,beside regularisation of para-teachers and PTA teachers.

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The longer a pensioner lives,the higher the promised hike. If a pensioner lives to be 100,he or she has been promised a 100 per cent hike in basic pension. Until then,the promise is a five per cent hike at age 65,10 per cent at 70,15 per cent at 75,and 20 per cent at 80. For senior citizens,there will also be free religious tours once every five years.

Daily wagers have been promised an increase in wages to Rs 250. Social security,widow and handicapped pensions would be raised from Rs 450 to Rs 650 per month,the manifesto said,while farmers would get loans at 2 per cent interest and refrigerated vans would carry their produce to the markets from all district headquarters.

For traders,a key BJP vote bank,there are VAT exemptions. Taxi and truck drivers,beside practising lawyers,have been promised inclusion in a group insurance scheme .

And to draw in voters,Dhumal announced a reward scheme for areas where the turnout exceeds 90 per cent.

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