MANIFESTO RELEASED: Pattali Makkal Katchi founder S. Ramadoss (second from right), releasing the party's manifesto in Chennai on Thursday. — Photo: K. V. Srinivasan

CHENNAI: The Pattali Makkal Katchi, a constituent of the DMK-led Democratic Progressive Alliance (DPA), has demanded a common minimum programme in the event of the alliance capturing power in the State.

It should be on the lines of the National Common Minimum Programme of the United Progressive Alliance at the Centre and cover issues concerning the State. It should be drawn up in consultation with other constituents of the DPA.

This was one of the highlights of the election manifesto released by PMK founder S. Ramadoss here on Thursday.

Reiterating that his party would not participate in the Government after the elections, he said it would form a "shadow cabinet," which would suggest schemes to the Government and make the government functioning transparent.

The PMK would seek more powers to local bodies. Just as the State List, there should be one for local bodies in the Constitution containing all the subjects given to them under the 73rd and 74th constitutional amendments. Twentyfive per cent of the State budget should be earmarked for local bodies.

As was being done at the Centre, the State budget should be preceded by the presentation of the Economic Survey. An Action taken report, containing details about the schemes taken up and not implemented, should be submitted. Both documents should be presented to the Assembly at least a week prior to the budget.

The party sought a White Paper on reservation. There should be reservation in promotions for Backward Classes/Most Backward Classes.

The PMK reiterated its demand for a caste-based survey so that reservation in education and employment can be made based on the relative strength of communities. The party favoured abolition of the concept of creamy layer among BCs and was against reservation based on economic criteria.

The PMK mooted the idea of establishment of a fund for protecting small and marginal farmers against natural disasters. It suggested that an insurance policy cover be framed for the farmers and supported by the State Government.

It would seek expeditious granting of free power connections to farmers. The Raghavan Committee's recommendations on restructuring of State-level public sector undertakings should be re-examined. The party wanted a scheme to enable BC/MBCs/Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes to start small-scale units.

Mullaperiyar dam issue

The PMK advocated talks with the Kerala Government to resolve issues concerning Mullaperiyar dam and Parambikulam-Aliyar Project. It suggested creation of districts, using parliamentary constituencies as the basic unit.

To a query, Dr. Ramadoss replied that none of his family members would be given the party ticket.

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