YSRCP presents inclusive manifesto

Amaravati: Releasing the party manifesto just five days ahead of polling, YSRCP president Jagan reiterated his earlier promises of Navaratnalu (9 welfare schemes of the party). The only new addition to the manifesto was the promise to implement YSR Rytu Bharosa scheme under which every family will get an annual benefit of Rs 12,500 as farm investment support, free crop insurance and interest-free loans for farmers.

The issue of the future of capital city of Amaravati and Polavaram do not figure in the manifesto. Tenant farmers belonging to the Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Backward Classes (BC) and minority communities will also get an investment support of Rs 12,500, according to the manifesto.

Free borewells, setting up of godowns, cold storages and food processing plants are the other measures promised to reverse farm distress. Focussing on welfare, the manifesto aims to empower the marginalised sections of society, the party said.

The YSRCP promised that Rs 15,000 will be paid under the 'Amma Vodi' scheme for women sending their children to schools. Female members of self-help groups (DWCRA) will get Rs 50,000 per annum under 'YSR Aasara'.

The state government will also pay the interest payment on the loans of self-help groups. Women belonging to the BCs, SCs, STs, and minority communities and over the age of 45 years will get Rs 75,000 annually under 'YSR Cheyutha'.

Under 'YSR Housing', houses will be registered in the name of the women. The government will provide Rs 1 lakh support for the marriage of girls belonging to SCs, STs, BCs, and minority women. The party also promised liquor prohibition in three phases.

The manifesto promised universal healthcare coverage for the lower and middle classes under 'Arogyasri'. Any individual with an annual income of up to Rs 5 lakh can avail the Universal Health Card for free benefits. The card will be applicable for any medical expense over Rs 1,000.

Jagan promised jobs for ten youth in every village at the village secretariat. In addition to that, 3.5 lakh village/ ward volunteers will receive Rs 5,000 per month as honorarium. He promised to fill the 2.3 lakh government vacancies.For students, there will be total fee reimbursement and an additional sum of Rs 20,000 will be paid for food and accommodation expenses every year.

The monthly pension for elderly persons will be increased to Rs 3,000. For welfare of the BCs, a separate fund will be created, with a budget of Rs 75,000 crore. A similar fund will be created for Kapus too.

Barbers, tailors, washermen, weavers, hawkers, vendors, fishermen and people engaged in other caste-based professions will also be provided assistance.

The party promised a Rs 1,150-crore fund for 13 lakh victims of the AgriGold scam. Other promises include a minimum support price (MSP) stabilization fund of Rs 3,000 crore and a natural calamity fund of Rs 4,000 crore.

If voted to power, the YSRCP will also contribute Rs 10,000 to Rs 35,000 for maintenance of temples, pay Rs 15,000 honorarium to 'imams' and 'muezzin' and Rs 5,000 to pastors.