Mizoram assembly elections: Drug rehab, livelihood schemes on Cong's list of poll promises

AIZAWL: With a range of commitments from drug rehabilitation to livelihood schemes and environment conservation, ruling Congress released its election manifesto here on Thursday. The manifesto was released by chief minister Lal Thanhawla and Congress general secretary and observer for the northeast Bhupen Bora.

In its last fight to prevent complete saffronisation of the northeast and capture power for an unprecedented third straight time, Congress promised to continue the New Land Use Policy (NLUP), its flagship programme. The policy had ensured an overwhelming victory for Congress in 2013. The policy turned farmers away from traditional jhum (slash and burn) cultivation.

There will be a few changes in the policy for "better implementation" this time and the quantum of financial assistance will go up to take inflation into account, the manifesto says.

Two months ago, Congress survived a scare after a PIL in the Aizawl bench of the Gauhati high court challenged this policy as a means to "disburse public funds for political gains". The court allowed the disbursal of funds after the government provided the guidelines the court had asked for.

Congress also promised to continue the New Economic Development Policy, another popular self-employment scheme for those not engaged in agricultural activities.

Countering rival Mizo National Front's attack for diluting prohibition laws in the state, Congress has focussed on the high occurrence of drug abuse in the state. It has promised rehabilitation centres for addicts at different places along with counselling centres to supplement and support the efforts of NGOs and the Church.

Reaching out to the youth, a section BJP has focussed a lot of energy on, Congress promised to promote motor sports - the party said it would build racing tracks in the state.

Education occupies a major part of the manifesto - free laptops for those who pass the HSLC exam every year, special attention to science, maths and technical education, and special arrangements at the HSLC level for those struggling with science and maths.

There is also a promise of providing allocation in the annual budget for excursions and study tours, especially for college and university students, besides "serious efforts" for implementation of the recommendations of Mizoram Education Reforms Commission.

Taking up environmental issues as well, the manifesto states the party would encourage community participation in conservation and set aside a budgetary allocation to do so.

It also promises encouraging community participation in the course of implementation and maintenance of various developmental works.