Dole for jobless youth, aged farmers dominates PMK’s 94-page manifesto

PMK founder S Ramadoss, while on releasing the manifesto in Chennai, said, “This is not a customary election manifesto. It is roadmap to win back the lost rights of the state. This is the manifesto for the autonomy of the state.”

While there are 43 chapters under 36 different topics, some of the key issues include PMK’s ideology, why the alliance should win, state autonomy, education, ban on tobacco, social justice, reforms in indirect taxation system and so on.

The most important aspect on social protection front in the manifesto is that the PMK’s assurance to insist upon the union government to ensure basic income of Rs 2,000 per month to every family living Below Poverty Line (BPL).

The party will also put pressure on the Centre to waive all farm loans to the tune of Rs 1 lakh crore across the country and press for disbursal of pension of Rs 1,500 per month for farmers who had crossed the age of 60.

It also vowed to impress upon the central government to allot more funds to the states to ensure their autonomy. “The PMK will demand the Centre to allot 50 per cent of the income earned by the state government to implement infrastructure projects in the state,” said Ramadoss.

He also said that both the state and central governments should come forward to give monthly dole to unemployed youth. “The party will insist both the governments to give a dole of Rs 4,000 per month to youth who remain unemployed for five years after completing their degrees,” said Ramadoss.

He further noted that the Centre should recognise the self-respect marriage practised in the state. “In Tamil Nadu, the self-respect marriage, popularised by Periyar, has been in place for more than 50 years and it should be recognised across the nation,” he said.