AAP manifesto talks of alternative economic agenda

By Anuradha Verma

  • 04 Apr 2014

Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) election manifesto, which promises to offer an alternative economic agenda if it comes to power, is bereft of specific measures to steer the economy but talks about simplification of procedures and ending crony capitalism as key targets.

In its 28-page manifesto, the party said that India currently has three major threats in the form of corruption, communalism and crony capitalism; and curbing monopolistic and anti-competition practices will be some of the priority areas of the party.

In a stance, which puts its views on the economy right of centre, the manifesto said the government should not be in the business of running businesses.

The party, which has publicly voiced its opposition about allowing FDI in retail, did not put its stand on paper in the manifesto. However, Kejriwal made it clear while releasing the manifesto that the party is opposed to FDI in retail.

Much of its manifesto talks about driving social agenda with rooting out corruption as the bulwark.

Highlights

  • Move towards simple and stable tax structure and no more amnesty schemes; to go after tax evaders.

  • Ensuring income security to farmers and implementation of Swaminathan Commission Report.

  • Extend minimum support price for procurement from farmers to more crops and ensure 50 per cent mark up to real input costs.

  • Regulate GM crops.

  • Commercial exploitation of natural resources through royalty and revenue sharing agreement with local communities.

  • No contract employment for jobs which require work through the year; strict enforcement of minimum wages.

  • Replace direct cash transfers with direct transfer of ration materials which will include pulses and oil.

  • Regulations on cross-media ownerships and public accountability if media.

  • Introduce legislation on Right to Healthcare.

  • Link higher education to opportunities for entrepreneurship by setting up incubation centres in institutions of higher education.

    • Also Read

    (Edited by Joby Puthuparampil Johnson)