By Kavita Mistry 
Patna: Days after the Mahagathbandhan announced poll sops for the Bihar elections, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) released its manifesto promising over one crore new government jobs and a pledge to empower one crore women ‘Lakhpati Didis’ (women earning over one lakh rupees annually).
The manifesto which was released Friday in the presence of Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar, Union minister Chirag Paswan, BJP national president J.P.Nadda among others, also promises to provide Minimum Support Price (MSP) for every crop.
It further promises employment for every youth, a move which seemingly is an answer to the opposition’s promise of one government job to every family if the INDIA bloc comes to power.
“Provide over 1 crore government jobs and employment opportunities. Conduct a Skill Census to promote skill-based jobs and establish Mega Skill Centers in every district to make Bihar a global skill hub,” reads the manifesto.
Reaching out to women voters, the NDA says it is committed to providing financial assistance up to Rs 2 lakh to them through the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rozgar Yojana. “Make 1 crore women Lakhpati Didis and work under the Mission Crorepati to turn women entrepreneurs into millionaires,” it says.
The 69-page manifesto details 25 promises that include ensuring farmers’ dignity and MSP Guarantee under which the alliance will launch Karpuri Thakur Kisan Sanman Nidhi, providing Rs 3,000 annually (Rs 9,000 total).
“(We’ll) invest Rs 1 lakh crore in agri-infrastructure, and ensure MSP-based procurement of rice, wheat, pulses, and maize at the panchayat level,” the manifesto states.
Unveiling the manifesto, Bihar finance minister Samrat Chaudhary said: “We promise to give 1 crore plus government jobs and employment. We will conduct a skills census, create skill-based employment, and establish Bihar as a global learning centre with mega learning centres in every district. We have made 25 key promises in this manifesto”.
The Mahagathbandhan, led by the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the Congress, released its manifesto titled ‘Bihar Ka Tejashwi Pran,’ promising to pass a law within 20 days of forming government, to provide government jobs to one member of every family in the State.
The RJD and its allies including the Congress and CPI (ML), have made employment a central theme of their campaign, while also targeting the NDA for not doing enough for the youth of Bihar.
In its manifesto ‘Bihar Ka Tejashwi Pran, the Mahagathbandhan has promised to provide government jobs to one member of every family in the State within 20 days of forming the government in the state.
The NDA manifesto, meanwhile, promises to provide Rs 10 lakh financial aid to various Economically Backward Classes (EBC) communities including Tanti, Tatma, Nishad, Mallah, Kanaujia, Gangota, Bind, Nonia, Teli, among others.
The NDA also promises to form a high-level committee under a retired Supreme Court judge to recommend fair measures for their upliftment.
On the infrastructure front, it promises to provide direct international flights from Bihar. “Build greenfield international airports near Patna, Darbhanga, Purnia, and Bhagalpur. Launch domestic flights from 10 new cities and metro service in 4 cities,” it adds.
Under the ‘Panchamrit’ guarantee for the poor, the ruling alliance promises to provide free ration, 125 units of free electricity, free treatment up to Rs 5 lakh, 50 lakh new houses, and social security pensions. “Free quality education from KG to PG. Offer free modern education for poor families, nutritious meals, and advanced digital labs in schools,” it says.
(Edited by Tony Rai)