MVA promises caste census, free bus travel, Rs 3,000 a month to women

The Opposition MVA on Sunday unveiled its manifesto for the November 20 Maharashtra polls, promising free cervical cancer vaccines for girls aged 9 to 16 and two optional leave days for women employees during menstruation.

The manifesto, titled 'Maharashtranama, assured a caste-based census, and monthly financial assistance of Rs 3,000, free bus travel and six cooking gas cylinders every year at Rs 500 each to women.

It also promised to frame a 'Nirbhay Maharashtra' policy and enforcement of the Shakti law for the safety of women and children, besides a dedicated ministry for child welfare.

The MVA also assured to provide Rs 1 lakh each to girls on attaining the age of 18 years. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge released the manifesto of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) for the state elections at a press conference here which was also attended by NCP (SP) working president Supriya Sule and Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut.

Spelling out its theme, he said MVA's vision for Maharashtra's progress is based on five pillars - agriculture and rural development, industry and employment, urban development, environment and public welfare.