The manifesto talks about the party’s economic, defence and foreign policy besides Jan Lokpal Bill
Aam Aadmi Party on Thursday promised an array of initiatives in its manifesto for the Lok Sabha elections such as bringing a strong Jan Lokpal Bill, installing CCTV cameras in court rooms and bringing down the age to contest elections to 21 from 25.
Releasing the manifesto, party chief Arvind Kejriwal said decentralization of power, citizen’s charter to ensure time-bound delivery of services and providing good governance will be some other priority areas for the party.
The AAP leader said his party was “industry friendly” as creation of wealth was essential for overall development of the country but noted that it was against “crony capitalism.”
Judicial accountability
Emphasising on judicial accountability, he also proposed to double the number of judges in courts across the country in the next five years.
“We will install CCTV in police stations. There should be cameras in interrogation rooms as well. We have proposed to make separate investigative and law and order wings in police. The internal accountability of police must be fixed.
“There must be judicial accountability. We must have a fast, efficient and honest justice system. In five years, we will double the number of judges to ensure speedy justice,” he said.
The AAP leader also announced that the four-year undergraduate programme in Delhi University will be withdrawn as demanded by a section of students and teachers.
Stressing on police reforms, Mr. Kejriwal said his party will make “not lodging an FIR an offence.”
Economic policy
Elaborating on its economic policy, Mr. Kejriwal said that his party was pro-business and pro-industries.
“We are not against industries or business, but we are against crony capitalism. We believe that unless industries don’t flourish we wont be able generate jobs.
“But, we are against the system of contract labours because it violates basic human rights,” he said.
Foreign policy
On foreign policy, the AAP leader said that his party advocated friendly relations with all the countries, but had “zero tolerance” for cross border terrorism.
“We will work to reduce political hostilities in our immediate neighbourhood but we will have zero tolerance for cross border terrorism.
“Border areas should be developed as zones of high economic engagements to create a larger constituency for peace on both sides. We will work to enhance the defence capacity to deter the border incursions by China, but will also strive for a greater and more balanced trade with the country,” he said.
Mr. Kejriwal added that the party will not only work to reduce the foreign dependence in equipment, but also will also try to bring transparency in procurement of defence equipment.
