Politics National

Posted by admin on 2024-04-06 |

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·       Congress Party released its manifesto for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections on Friday, April 5, among the presence of Party President Mallikarjun Kharge.

 

·       Congress promises legal guarantee to MSP, pledges to reserve 50 per cent of central government jobs for women, among others.

 

·       2024 Lok Sabha Election will be spread over seven phases beginning April 19. Results will be declared June 4.

The Indian National Congress unveiled its manifesto, named "Nyay Patra," for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections of 2024 on Friday, April 5. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and former president Rahul Gandhi released the manifesto at All India Congress Committee headquarters in New Delhi.

At the core of the manifesto are the "five pillars of justice," termed as Paanch Nyay, including ‘Yuva Nyay’, ‘Naari Nyay’, ‘Kisaan Nyay’, ‘Shramik Nyay’ and ‘Hissedari Nyay’ as well as the guarantees made by it to the people as part of its election promises for Lok Sabha polls.

Focus on Poverty and Employment

The Congress proposes the implementation of the Mahalakshmi scheme to provide ?1 lakh per year to every poor Indian family as an unconditional cash transfer. The poor will be identified impoverished Indian families identified at the bottom of the income spectrum.

The Congress said it will fill nearly 30 lakh vacancies in sanctioned posts at various levels in central government.

Furthermore, the party guarantees national minimum wage at ?400 per day.

The central government’s contribution to pensions for senior citizens, widows and persons with disabilities under the National Social Assistance Programme remains a pitiful ?200- ?500 per month. The Congress will raise this amount to ?1,000 per month, said the party.

The party pledges to reserve 50 per cent of central government jobs for women commencing in 2025.

“We will abolish application fees for government examinations and government posts. Due to widespread unemployment, as a one-time measure of relief, the amount due including unpaid interest as on 15 March 2024 in respect of all student educational loans will be written off and the banks will be compensated by the government,” said the Congress in the manifesto.

Power to Minorities and LGBTQIA+ Community

After wide consultation, the party promises to enact legislation recognizing civil unions among LGBTQIA+ couples.

The Congress will ensure that, like every citizen, minorities have the freedom of choice of dress, food, language and personal laws. We will encourage reform of personal laws. Such reform must be undertaken with the participation and consent of the communities concerned.

Boost to Healthcare

Universal free healthcare, including cost of diagnosis, surgery, and medication, will be made available. This will come with cashless insurance up to ? 25 lakh, like the model implemented in Rajasthan.

The Congress said it would also establish Assisted Living and Care Centres for disabled people and provide representation for them in local bodies.

Other Major Points

On economic reforms, the Congress proposes to replace the existing GST laws with GST 2.0. The new GST regime will be based on the universally accepted principle that GST shall be a single, moderate rate (with a few exceptions) that will not burden the poor.

The Congress aims to mend diplomatic relations with the Maldives and endeavors to restore the previous state of affairs along the borders with China.

The Congress assures legal safeguards for Minimum Support Prices (MSP) announced by the government every year as recommended by the Swaminathan Commission.