Priyanka Gandhi announces eight promises ahead of Chhattisgarh polls

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Monday promised a slew of measures, including waiving of loans of Self-Help Groups, subsidised cooking gas cylinders under a new scheme, and free treatment to victims of road accidents if her party retains power after the assembly polls.

Raipur/Khairagarh (Chhattisgarh): Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Monday announced a number of promises, including waiving of loans of Self-Help Groups, free treatment to the victims of road accidents, and subsidised cooking gas cylinders under a new scheme if her party retains power after the Assembly polls in Chhattisgarh.

Addressing a rally at the Khairagarh Assembly segment, Priyanka announced eight major promises. She said that Congress will launch the Mahtari Nyay Yojana for women to provide Rs 500 subsidy per gas cylinder.

Out of 49.63 lakh consumers of Chhattisgarh, the bills of 43,000 consumers whose electricity bill is less than 200 units will be waived off, while the rest will get free electricity up to 200 units, she said. Loans of Self-Help Groups and the loans availed by women under the Saksham Yojna will be waived, she added.

She further said that around 6,000 government higher secondary and high schools will be upgraded into Swami Atmanand English and Hindi medium schools. Free treatment will be provided to the victims of road accidents under the Chief Minister's Special Health Assistance Scheme, Priyanka added.

Tivara (a type of lentil) will be purchased from the farmers at the support price, the Congress leader said. At least 700 new rural industrial parks will be established and the loans worth Rs 726 crore of 6,600 vehicle owners associated with the transport business will be waived off till 2018.