Gurdaspur, January 28, 2017: Aapna Punjab Party (APP) convener Sucha Singh Chhotepur released his party’s manifesto at a low key function here with emphasis on reviving the Upper House, also called Vidhan Parishad, of the state legislature in order to give more representation to minorities, professionals, writers and sportspersons of international standing. The state had a Vidhan Parishad but it was abolished in 1970. The manifesto was read out by former IAS officer R.R. Bhardwaj in the presence of Chhotepur and over 20 party members. The document says that the 73rd and 74th amendments of the Constitution will be implemented. This means that more powers will be given to village panchayats and municipal committees. Chhotepur said the Prof M.S. Swaminathan report will be implemented in its entirety. The report has made several recommendations for improving the lot of farmers but has not been implemented yet. The document envisages setting up of medical institutes like the PGI in all districts of the state. Water and electricity charges will be halved if the party comes to power. Apparently referring to a private TV channel in which important politicians have a share, the manifesto says, “TV channels which have been partial and look after the interests of particular politicians and are feeding wrong information to the public will be shut down and action will be taken against their owners for waylaying the public.” The state budget allocation for education will be substantially enhanced from the existing 2.8 per cent to 6 per cent. “Beneficiaries of the Shagun scheme will get Rs 1 lakh. More IT parks will be set up and women and youth will be given preferential opportunities to work in these parks. NRI councils will be activated to attract more investment from abroad and investor friendly policed will be framed by these NRI councils.