“From 1 Lakh To Poor To Freedom From Fear…”: Highlights From Congress Manifesto

The Congress party has unveiled its manifesto for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, emphasizing key issues such as unemployment, women’s empowerment, and a comprehensive socio-economic caste census. In a statement, the party asserted its unwavering commitment to uphold the Constitution of India as its guiding principle.

One of the primary proposals outlined in the manifesto is the undertaking of a nation-wide socio-economic caste census to meticulously document various castes and sub-castes alongside their socio-economic status.

Leveraging this data, the Congress aims to fortify its affirmative action agenda. Additionally, the party pledges to introduce a constitutional amendment to lift the existing 50 percent cap on reservations for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC).

Addressing welfare concerns, the Congress intends to significantly enhance the benefits provided under the National Social Assistance Programme. Presently, pensions for senior citizens, widows, and individuals with disabilities range from ₹200 to ₹500 per month, a figure the party aims to elevate to ₹1,000 per month.

Furthermore, the manifesto outlines ambitious healthcare initiatives, including the promise of universal and free healthcare services across public health centers. This comprehensive healthcare coverage encompasses diagnostics, treatment, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and palliative care.

To address unemployment among the youth, the Congress proposes the introduction of a new Right to Apprenticeship Act, offering a one-year apprenticeship opportunity with private or public sector companies to diploma holders or college graduates below the age of 25. Additionally, apprentices under this scheme will receive an annual stipend of ₹1 lakh.

In the realm of education, the Congress underscores its commitment to revamping the Right to Education (RTE) Act, making schooling from Class I to Class XII compulsory and free in public institutions. Moreover, the party pledges to enact the Mahalakshmi scheme, providing an annual unconditional cash transfer of ₹1 lakh to impoverished Indian families identified at the bottom of the income spectrum.

In its pursuit of gender equality, the Congress promises to implement one-third reservation for women in both state Assemblies and the Lok Sabha, scheduled for elections in 2025 and 2029, respectively. Additionally, the party vows to enshrine a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Prices (MSP) and safeguard democratic freedoms, including freedom of speech, expression, and media.

Furthermore, the manifesto outlines plans to establish a National Judicial Commission (NJC) in consultation with the Supreme Court and Chief Justices of High Courts, tasked with the selection and appointment of judges across various levels of the judiciary. Additionally, the Congress commits to expeditiously filling nearly 30 lakh vacancies in central government positions, educational institutions, healthcare sectors, and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF).

With a comprehensive array of proposals, the Congress aims to address pressing societal concerns and usher in substantive reforms if elected to power.