NCP's 74-page manifesto, released by president Sharad Pawar in the presence of senior leader PA Sangma here on Monday, stresses on the need for growth and development-oriented fiscal controls, containment of revenue expenditure and prioritisation of public expenditure, channelisation of capital expenditure towards development of infrastructure, banking vigilance and inflation control.

For the industry sector, NCP has promised promotion of venture capital, creation of independent anti-dumping authority and a commission on corporate governance, rationalisation of the Companies Act and revamp of BIFR. It has promised long-term policies to face the challenges that are likely to arise over a period of time under the new trade regime of WTO.

On agriculture, the NCP has promised acomprehensive national policy, a phased programme for taking Green Revolution to the Gangetic east, the Brahmaputra Valley and central India, introduction of commercial and export-oriented crops and floriculture in non-traditional areas, a sound crop insurance programme to overcome serious hazards caused due to natural calamities.

NCP has promised high priority investments for infrastructure development--mix of public, private and external funding--technological upgradation of public utility services and creation of an independent and professionally managed railways safety regulatory commission. It has called for diversification of export basket and expansion of value-added exports.

Against the backdrop of the recent Kargil conflicts, the NCP has promised to streamline and strengthen national security through establishment of a clear, comprehensive and integrated defence policy based on a "viable security doctrine" comprising nuclear doctrine.

Sangma took a serious exception to the timing of the releaseof draft nuclear doctrine by the Vajpayee government and said he had made a suggestion in this regard during a debate in Parliament held immediately after the Pokhran tests.

Sangma said that a special satellite for the defence purposes would be launched as the Kargil conflicts had revealed that the BJP-led government was caught unawares by a well-planed intrusion. He said it called for a revamping the National Security Council with a full-time National Security Advisor to assess intelligence, formulate policy and give direction to issues of national security.

NCP has also assured enhancement of defence and combat readiness, introduction of the concept of Chief of Armed Forces, establishment of a vibrant and responsive defence information system and an exclusive and permanent pay commission for defence personnel.

On foreign policy, NCP has called for strategic partnership with countries which are traditionally alive to India's concerns, Look-East policy and seeking membership in UN Security Council.

Onsocial sector, NCP promises realisation of six per cent GDP investment for education, onw per cent for nutrition-related programmes, review of the National Health Policy, 1983 with a special health policy for women.

NCP has proposes adoption of a national policy for empowerment of women and creation of a commission for protection of minorities.