Puducherry Assembly election: BJP manifesto promises two free LPG cylinders, e-scooters for girl students in Puducherry

The BJP has come out with a 20-point agenda for the development of Puducherry in its manifesto for the April 9 polls in the Union Territory.

The manifesto promises two free LPG gas cylinders to all ration card-holding families on Pongal and Vinayaka Chathurthi festivals, launch of ‘Anbu Thangai Thittam’ to provide e-scooters to girls who perform well in Class 12 examinations and setting up of 30 water ATMs across the Union Territory.

The party has promised to work in close coordination with the Central government to provide 60% domicile reservation for Puducherry’s youth in Group C and D jobs. Efforts would be taken to accord 20% domicile reservation for students in public universities in all Union Territories. Steps would also be taken to fast-track recruitment process to fill teaching posts in schools, the manifesto said.

The government will extend support to 500 MSME Superstars employing a minimum of 20 people by enabling export-centric product development through a ₹1,000-crore MSME Credit Guarantee Fund. Young entrepreneurs will be provided loans of up to ₹5 lakh at 3% interest for developing their business, according to the manifesto.

Under the PM e-Bus Sewa Scheme, the government will expedite roll-out of new electric buses in high density routes. Steps will be taken to upgrade Puducherry and Karaikal Railway Stations by providing double broad-gauge lines. The Puducherry Railway Station will be named after Bharathiyar. The government will request the Centre to launch a weekly Bharathiyar Garima Express connecting Puducherry with Kashi.

The government will prevail upon the Centre to upgrade Puducherry-Villupuram Railway line and launch Vande Metro between Puducherry and Chennai. Also, efforts would be taken to include Puduchery into the Vande Bharat train network by operating a new Vande Bharat trains connecting Puducherry and Mysuru.

Steps will be taken to revive Anglo French Textile mills and launch PONTEX Revival Mission to brand craft items of Puducherry. The manifesto also promises measures to improve means of livelihood of farmers, fishermen and boost tourism potential of Puducherry.

The manifesto was released at a function attended by Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, Home Minister A. Namassivayam and BJP president V. P. Ramalingam.