In a significant development on Tuesday, the Congress Working Committee (CWC) reached a unanimous decision to approve a comprehensive set of promises, termed as Nyay, which are poised to shape the core of the Congress’s manifesto for the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The meeting, chaired by party chief Mallikarjun Kharge, empowered Kharge to oversee the finalization of the manifesto.
Comprising 25 guarantees, the manifesto encompasses pledges targeting the youth, women, farmers, laborers, and marginalized communities, directly challenging the assurances put forth by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Notable promises include the creation of three million government jobs, an allocation of ₹1 lakh to every poor household, and advocating for the removal of the 50% cap on reservation after conducting a nationwide caste census.
During the deliberations, several party leaders underscored the importance of addressing issues such as communal and caste-based violence, along with safeguarding the autonomy of constitutional bodies. P. Chidambaram, heading the manifesto committee, delivered a comprehensive presentation on the proposed document.
Former Congress chief Rahul Gandhi and general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra emphasized the need for meticulous translation of the manifesto into various languages, particularly stressing nuanced interpretations concerning caste-related proposals.
Speaking on the economic front, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh unveiled plans to generate three million public sector jobs, including vacancies across various governmental institutions. Additionally, the party pledged to institute a right to apprenticeship program, offering financial incentives to participants.
Addressing concerns regarding education and labor rights, the manifesto vows to uphold integrity in public examinations, improve working conditions for gig economy workers, and bolster social security measures.
In a bid to empower women, the Congress promises financial assistance and job reservations, coupled with initiatives to enhance the welfare of ASHA and anganwadi workers. Furthermore, the manifesto envisions the appointment of ‘adhikar maitris’ in villages to champion women’s rights and proposes the establishment of Savitribai Phule Hostels for working women.
On the agrarian front, the Congress envisions a permanent commission to assess farm loan waivers, along with crafting policies to prioritize farmers’ interests. The party also commits to revamping the import-export framework and exempting GST on farming inputs.
For laborers, the Congress advocates for a universal healthcare law, a national minimum wage of ₹400 per day, and an expansion of social security nets, including a MGNREGA-style job guarantee for urban poor.
Moreover, the manifesto underscores the importance of caste representation and pledges to conduct a comprehensive caste census, with a view to removing the 50% cap on caste-based quotas.
With a robust array of promises, the Congress aims to present a compelling vision for the nation’s future as the seven-phase Lok Sabha polls loom, commencing on April 19.
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