Bengal polls: BJP releases manifesto with infiltration, transparent recruitment, women empowerment as top priorities
Kolkata, April 10
The Union Minister of Home Affairs, Amit Shah, on Friday released the BJP's 'Sankalp Patra' for the forthcoming two-phase Assembly elections in West Bengal scheduled for later this month. Zero tolerance against infiltration, evolving a transparent and corruption-free state recruitment mechanism, economic progression, and women empowerment were among the top priorities in the Patra.
After releasing the manifesto, the Union Home Minister said that if the BJP comes to power in West Bengal this time, it will adopt a zero-tolerance policy on the issue of infiltration.
"We will adopt the 'detect, delete and deport' mechanism and drive out each illegal infiltrator from the state and hence secure not only the state but the entire country. Besides securing the International Borders with the state, the issue of cattle smuggling will be handled strictly," the Union Home Minister said.
At the same time, he said that a transparent, corruption-free state recruitment mechanism should be implemented, with vacant state government posts filled strictly based on merit, eliminating the risk of cash-for-jobs. He also said the priority of his party is to ensure permanent jobs and not contractual jobs.
"Youths will be provided with Rs 15,000 to prepare for competitive exams. In addition, those who have been deprived of jobs due to corruption will be given a relaxation of up to five years in age," he said.
As regards economic development, he said that the priority of the BJP-led government would be to improve the financial health of the state by attracting big-ticket investments and thus ensure employment generation. He also hinted towards a change in the current land policy in the state that nullifies any sort of state role in land procurement for the industry.
"Four new satellite townships will be created in the state, the locations for which will be selected in due course. The goal is to further develop the future potential. There is a separate plan for the development of Haldia Port in the East Midnapore district. There are plans to develop special deep-sea ports at Tajpur and Kulpi. Emphasis will also be given to tea and jute industries. West Bengal will be made a major export destination for the Blue Economy," Shah said.
Regarding women's empowerment, the BJP's manifesto promises 100 per cent free transport for females. At the same time, the manifesto also promised investigations into cases of crimes against women by a special committee of retired judges.
"There will be 33 per cent reservation of seats for women in all state government jobs. There will be women's police stations in all mandals. There will be women's desks in every police district. There will be work for them both in the day and at night. Our Chief Minister will never have to advise women not to go out at night," said Shah.
— IANS
Reader Comments
The focus on women's empowerment is commendable! 33% reservation in govt jobs, free transport, and women's police stations in every mandal can be game-changers for safety and participation. 👏 Hope this isn't just pre-poll rhetoric.
As a recent graduate, the promise of transparent recruitment and Rs. 15,000 for exam prep is a relief. The cash-for-jobs scam under the current govt has destroyed so many careers. Merit-based selection is the need of the hour.
The economic plans sound ambitious - new satellite towns, developing ports, focusing on tea and jute. Bengal has so much potential but has lagged in investments. If they can actually attract industry and create permanent jobs, it could transform the state.
While the manifesto has good points, I'm skeptical. Every party makes big promises before elections. The real test is delivery. Also, the focus on infiltration should not lead to harassment of genuine citizens. The implementation must be just and lawful.
Stopping cattle smuggling is very important for our farmers and for respecting sentiments. The promise of women's desks in every police district is also a good step. A woman feels more comfortable reporting to another woman sometimes. Hope they follow through.
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