AAP releases poll manifesto for Dakshina Kannada

Mangalore, Apr 8: The Dakshina Kannada district unit of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Tuesday presented the local manifesto of the party with its objectives including a number of issues specific to the district along with its national manifesto at Mangalore Press Club here.

District AAP candidate M R Vasudeva released the manifesto in the presence of district convenors of the party.

While the national manifesto addresses issues related to Swaraj, education and health, economy and ecology, social justice, culture and media, defence and foreign policy, the local manifesto places emphasis on initiatives related to the district, such as making Dakshina Kannada the most prominent trade and investment hub after the state capital Bangalore, improving the national highways, port, zonal division of railways in the district and developing a human resource development (HRD) cell.

The local manifesto also includes shelving of Niddodi and Yettinahole/Nethravati diversion projects and assistance for Endosulfan-affected individuals. The highlights of the manifesto also include improvements targeted towards agriculture, agro-based industries, fisheries, resource and development, exports etc.

The manifesto of AAP with respect to specific Dakshina Kannada issues promises to pursue the following:

• Make Dakshina Kannada the most prominent trade and investment hub after Bengaluru
• The top priority is jobs for the Aam Aadmi, jobs for graduates and opportunities for small, medium and large businesses. This can only be done through development projects implemented by both private parties and the Government. However, development has to be accomplished in an environmentally responsible manner taking into consideration the fundamental rights of the people affected.
• Agriculture, agro-based industries and fisheries will be given priority in areas such as Puttur, Sullia, Belthangady, Moodbidri and coastal region. We consider high growth of agriculture and allied sectors namely horticulture, animal husbandry, food processing and fisheries as a means to accelerate the growth to enable farmers and fishermen to earn higher income and ensure food security.
• Use of global technologies and innovative tools by creating enabling frameworks and state of the art infrastructural facilities in all sectors including agriculture and fisheries. Facilitation of large investments and opening up avenues for export market.
• Hygienic and modern fish handling facilities so that the small fishermen are also given a due share in the earnings. Creation of a local fisheries department
• Export of mangoes, watermelon, tropical fruits, vegetables and marine products from Mangalore airport, by encouraging storage, cold chain and transport links.
• Improve the National Highways that connect DK to the North, South and various points to the East, through the most delicate and environmentally sensitive sections of the Western Ghats.
• Improve the Road-Rail-Air-Sea capability of Dakshina Kannada
• Dakshina Kannada is currently served by three railway Divisions namely – Southern Railway, Konkan Railway and South Western Railway. We will advocate and push for a Zonal Division of the Indian Railways in Dakshina Kannada which will ensure decisions concerning Dakshina Kannada will be taken in Dakshina Kannada. We will push for double tracking of railway lines to the North (Uttara Kannada, South (Kerala) and East (Bengaluru).
• The Mangalore Port has been neglected and upgrading it to handle and move cargo efficiently will bring a lot of jobs to Dakshina Kannada. This includes deepening of the access lagoon to accommodate a deep draft general cargo birth, procurement of mobile cranes, container terminal, and special purpose vehicle. Improving road and rail infrastructure to the port will facilitate rapid and efficient movement of cargo by connecting all the transportation hubs such as Port, Airport, Train and Road in an effective way. Improve container handling and transportation.
• Establish a Human Resources Development (HRD) cell to improve employability, provide skills, compete in competitive all India level exams such and establish effective linkages between industry, educational institutions, student community and government so that the local community is benefited.
• Shelve the Niddodi and Yettinahole/Nethravati projects. Create a Water Body that will study and recommend water issues and oversee the implementation of their recommendation.
• Affordable low cost housing for the Aam Aadmi (Micro and Mini Flats). Corruption eats way the margins of builders and they do not find it viable to build low cost housing for the Aam Aadmi. Eliminating corruption, prudent planning and Public-Private-Partnerships can make affordable housing a reality.
• Uplift of Malekudiya,Koragas and other disadvantaged communities.
• Promote local language news papers and TV channels and obtain necessary government benefits for the same.