The Hindu Business Line : NGOs forum releases `people's manifesto' in Dakshina Kannada

A FORUM of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts has come out with a "people's manifesto" for political parties.

Formed by the NGOs such as Nagarika Seva Trust, Karavali Mahila Jagruti Vedike, Dakshina Kannada Parisarasaktara Okkoota and Parisarasakta Krishikara Vedike, the forum has highlighted some of the issues facing these districts in agriculture and industrial sectors.

Of the nearly 30 lakh people in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts, more than 20 lakh are farmers. Of them, more than six lakh have less than two acres of land and many of them work as agricultural labourers.

In this regard, it has sought the implementation of the Maharashtra model of employment assurance scheme for farm labourers.

Urging the political parties to work for extending minimum support price for crops such as coconut, arecanut, rubber, cashewnut and paddy, the manifesto has suggested that the interest rate on farm loans be fixed at 8 per cent.

Apart from farmers, both the districts have considerable number of fishermen. Sops for fishermen and relaxation of CRZ norms for them have been sought in the "manifesto."

Political parties have been asked to work for providing more diesel and kerosene at subsidised rates to fishermen.

In the industrial sector, it has highlighted the need for the revival of small-scale industrial (SSI) units. It has sought the payment of subsidies due for a majority of SSI units.

Regarding the proposals on the establishment of mega power projects in these districts, it has said that these projects would be detrimental to the welfare of the region. Instead, mini-hydel power projects should be set up to tide over power crisis.

The "manifesto" has urged the political parties to play an active role in preventing the migration of beedi units from the State. It has also given thrust on providing six-day employment and medicinal facilities to more than four lakh women in the beedi industry.