Panchayat Poll Manifesto: Odisha BJP To Focus On Abolition Of Broker System For Paddy Purchase

Bhubaneswar: Development schemes for the rural people, empowering panchayats, sarpanchs and ward members were some of the resolutions of the state BJP, which released its 22-point manifesto for the three-tier panchayat elections on Thursday.

Releasing the election manifesto at a meeting here state party president Samir Mohanty said the party will ensure that the sarpanch has the power and discretion to take decisions. Every village will have Gram Sabhas which will work with Ward Members for development of the panchayat. Paddy mandis will be opened in panchayats with the support of FCI, he said about the manifesto.

“Nutritious food at Anganwadis, cooking gas and electricity connection to every household, skill development of SHG workers and wiping out brokers from paddy procurement process will be our target,” he added.

Transparency in beneficiary selection for Central schemes and others will also be the party’s focus while efforts will be made to eliminate  the ‘Token System’ at paddy mandis, Mohanty added.

The BJP manifesto also assured to ensure that liquor shops are not allowed within 500 metres of schools, religious places, colleges, residential areas and highways.