Chandigarh, January 15
The Punjab Congress today sought to bring in accountability and curb corruption by promising a new effective Lokayukta besides creation of a statutory vigilance commission in its election manifesto.

The manifesto titled “Navi Soch - Nava Punjab”, which was released by Pradesh Congress president Capt Amarinder Singh along with legislature party leader Rajinder Kaur Bhattal, also promised to continue free power and even increase the scope of welfare projects, including the ‘shagun’ scheme.

Crop insurance and health insurance schemes for farmers and committed round-the-clock power for the industrial sector were other promises mentioned in the document.

The Congress said it would introduce a Bill to establish new Lokayukta. There’s also a proposal to bring all public officers within the ambit of the new Lokayukta Act. The body will have the power to recommend punishment after due inquiry.

The party manifesto promises creation of a statutory vigilance commission that would be headed by a retired judge. The commission would have the power to confiscate and auction property of corrupt officials and even ministers to fund social welfare activities.

Capt Amarinder Singh said the Congress was committed to its social obligations. He said apart from continuing free power to farmers and partial power subsidy to the scheduled castes and weaker sections, the party would introduce more welfare schemes.