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21 January 2004
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Wednesday
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28 Ziqa'ad 1424
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Delhi comes up with measures to woo voters
NEW DELHI, Jan 20: The Indian government on Tuesday announced a range of measures designed to appeal to voters as it prepares for early elections.
Analysts said the measures were aimed at wooing voters ahead of an election. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party is seeking an early election to capitalize on a booming economy, a soaring stock market, state electoral gains, a faltering opposition and peace moves with Pakistan.
The economy is expected to grow more than seven per cent in the year to March 2004, placing it in the ranks of the world's fastest growing economies.
The government has already announced billions of dollars worth of tax cuts and other reforms to woo the middle class and business, but has not yet called the election.
Cabinet spokeswoman Sushma Swaraj said the national commission for farmers would review the state of the agricultural sector and farmers' conditions. It would also suggest measures for sustainable and equitable farm development.
Nearly 70 percent of India's more than one billion population earn a living from agriculture in the world's largest democracy. The government also said it would introduce measures to provide zones where street hawkers could trade legally.-Reuters
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