Tags:
Journalism of Courage
Education
CMP: Pledges to hike spending to six per cent of GDP and moots a cess on all Central taxes to spread basic education. Promises to restore institutional autonomy and purge school syllabi of communalism.
PREZSPEAK: Re-affirms the CMP target of six per cent allocation of the GDP. Plans to impose cess for spreading basic education, restore institutional autonomy and undo communalisation of school syllabi.
Foreign policy
CMP: Vows to pursue an independent foreign policy and seek multi-polarity. Will carry forward dialogue with Pakistan and China. Supports Palestinian cause and talks of a fresh thrust to traditional ties with West Asia.
PREZSPEAK: To pursue independent policy, pitch for a multi-polar world and reorient NAM. Reiterates commitment to dialogue with Pakistan and China. And of course, support the Palestinian cause.
REFORMS
CMP: Commitment to a strong and effective public sector. Profit-making companies not to be privatised. Chronically sick companies to be either sold or closed after payment of compensation to workers. Elimination of revenue deficit by 2009, early introduction of VAT and expansion of tax base. FIIs to be encouraged.
PREZSPEAK: Reforms with a human face. Reiterates CMP commitment to a strong and effective public sector. Says profit-making companies will not be privatised while loss-making units will be either sold or closed after workers are paid compensation. Promises elimination of revenue deficit by 2009, introduction of VAT and expansion of tax base.
DEFENCE
CMP: Undertakes to maintain a credible nuclear weapons programme and work out verifiable CBMs with nuclear neighbours. Will ensure that there is no delay in modernisation of armed forces. National Security Council to be professionalised.
PREZSPEAK: Promises to eliminate delay in modernisation.
SOCIAL SECTOR
CMP: Targets 2.3 per cent of GDP for health. To introduce health insurance scheme for poor. Moots legislation to combat domestic violence and gender discrimination. Promises one-third of panchayat funds for women and children.
PREZSPEAK: Reaffirms commitment on GDP allocation for health, health insurance for poor, panchayat funds for women and children. Laws to check domestic violence and gender discrimination. Plans mid-day meal scheme for schoolchildren.
