Lok Sabha election 2024: Congress poll manifesto focuses on farmers, jobless and poor women
PTC News Desk: In preparation for the forthcoming Lok Sabha Elections, the Congress party unveiled its comprehensive manifesto on Friday, delineating its strategic focus on what it has dubbed the five "pillars of justice". The manifesto prominently features pledges regarding cash transfers for women, the creation of employment opportunities, and the implementation of a caste census.
At the core of the manifesto lies the concept of "Paanch Nyay" or five pillars of justice, each addressing specific aspects of societal welfare and equity. These pillars include "Yuva Nyay" (justice for youth), "Naari Nyay" (justice for women), "Kisaan Nyay" (justice for farmers), "Shramik Nyay" (justice for labourers), and "Hissedari Nyay" (justice for stakeholders).
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Central to the manifesto is the commitment to institute a comprehensive caste census, aimed at gaining deeper insights into the socio-economic dynamics of India's diverse population. This initiative reflects the Congress party's dedication to addressing systemic inequalities and ensuring equitable representation for marginalised communities.
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Moreover, the manifesto outlines ambitious plans to stimulate job creation through targeted interventions in key sectors of the economy. By prioritising youth employment under the "Yuva Nyay" pillar, the Congress aims to harness the potential of India's burgeoning workforce, thereby fostering economic growth and social stability.
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Another significant aspect of the manifesto is the proposal for cash transfers to women, underscoring the party's commitment to gender equality and women's empowerment. By providing direct financial assistance to women, the Congress seeks to alleviate economic burdens and enhance financial independence, thereby promoting inclusive development.
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In essence, the Congress party's election manifesto embodies its vision for a more just and equitable society, underpinned by concrete policy proposals and strategic initiatives aimed at addressing the multifaceted challenges facing the nation. Through its emphasis on caste census, job creation, and women's empowerment, the manifesto articulates a comprehensive roadmap for inclusive growth and social progress.
1. Congress pledges to conduct a nationwide socio-economic caste census to comprehensively enumerate castes and sub-castes, along with assessing their socio-economic conditions. This data will inform the strengthening of affirmative action measures.
2. The party guarantees to introduce a constitutional amendment to increase the 50 per cent cap on reservations for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes.
3. Implementation of 10 per cent reservation in jobs and educational institutions for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) across all castes and communities without discrimination is assured by the Congress.
4. Congress commits to filling all backlog vacancies in posts reserved for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes within a year.
5. The party vows to abolish the contractualisation of regular jobs in government and public sector enterprises, ensuring the regularisation of such appointments.
6. Institutional credit to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes for home-building, starting businesses, and purchasing assets will be enhanced by Congress.
7. Congress will establish an authority to oversee the distribution of government land and surplus land under land ceiling Acts to the poor.
8. Expansion of the Public Procurement Policy to award more public works contracts to Scheduled Caste contractors is on Congress's agenda.
9. Doubling funds for scholarships for students belonging to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes, especially for higher education, is promised by Congress.
10. Establishment and extension of a network of residential schools for the poor, particularly students from Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, to every block, is planned by Congress.
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11. Congress pledges to uphold fundamental rights and guarantees for religious and linguistic minorities under various Articles of the Constitution.
12. Encouraging and assisting students and youth from minorities to leverage opportunities in education, employment, business, services, sports, arts, and other fields is on Congress's agenda.
13. Restoration and increase in Maulana Azad Scholarships for study abroad are assured by Congress.
14. Ensuring banks provide institutional credit to minorities without discrimination and equitable opportunities in various sectors without bias are Congress's commitments.
15. Freedom of choice regarding dress, food, language, and personal laws for minorities will be safeguarded by Congress.
16. Congress will support the reform of personal laws and advocate for the inclusion of more languages in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.
17. Party chief Mallikarjun Kharge announced the manifesto release via Twitter, underscoring its historical significance and the enduring trust between Congress and the people of India.
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(Inputs from agencies)
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