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NCP manifesto promises fixed term for Lok Sabha

The newly formed Nationalist Congress Party today released its first manifesto promising a constitutional amendment to provide for a fixed term for Lok Sabha.

Releasing the 74-page document in Bombay today, party general secretary and former Lok Sabha speaker, P A Sangma, promised that appropriate legal measures would be taken to bar persons of foreign origin from occupying top posts of the land by enacting a new law on citizenship.

He said Parliament could go in for the Scandavanean model where the members have to first elect a prime minister, who then secures a majority in the house before taking the oath of office. Under the new system, Sangma said, the prime minister would not be removed from office unless an alternative prime minister was elected.

The manifesto suggests electoral reforms based on the recommendations of the Law Commission especially to secure probity and standards in public life. It also promises transformation of the administration into a neutral, transparent and accountable entity.

Among other assurances, the NCP has promised a separate ministry for minorities development and constitutional status for minorities commission. The party would also create an independent ministry for women's development.

The manifesto promises support for formation of Jharkhand, Uttarakhand and Chattisgarh states where national consensus has emerged.

In terms of national security, a clear, comprehensive and integrated defence policy on a viable security doctrine would be established. The National Security Council would be revamped with a full-time national security advisor to assess intelligence, formulate policy and give direction to management of national security issues.

Defence and combat readiness of the services would be enhanced and a vibrant and responsive defence information system would be established.

The party also promises to set up an exclusive and permanent pay commission for the defence service personnel.

The NCP would adopt a ''look east'' policy with emphasis on extended neighbourhood, economic and commercial diplomacy, seeking universal and non-discriminatory nuclear disarmament.

On the economic from the party would take steps to enhance the GDP growth to eight per cent.

A commission on corporate governance would be created and a competition law would be enacted. The NCP has also assured creation of an independent and professionally manned railways safety regulatory commission.

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