Congress Promises Financial Aid for Women and “Martyr” Status for Farmers in Haryana Poll Manifesto, Vows Major Reforms if Elected

Ahead of the upcoming Haryana assembly elections on October 5, the Congress party has released its manifesto, featuring a series of key promises aimed at diverse sections of the electorate. Among the standout pledges are monthly financial assistance of ₹2,000 for women and martyr status for the 736 farmers who lost their lives during the farm law protests.

The Congress manifesto, which follows the party’s earlier announcement of seven major guarantees, includes measures such as a farmers’ welfare commission, increased pension for vulnerable groups, and substantial support for the families of deceased soldiers. The party has also promised to reconstitute several commissions, including those for minority and backward classes, as part of its commitment to social justice and inclusive governance.

Key Promises in the Congress Manifesto:

• Farmers’ Welfare Commission: A dedicated commission will be set up to address the needs of the agricultural community. Small farmers will receive diesel subsidies through a special ‘farmer diesel card’.
• Martyr Status for Farmers: The 736 farmers who died during the farm law protests will be honored with “martyr” status. The Congress has promised to build a memorial in their memory and offer government jobs to their family members.
• Indira Ladli Behan Yojna: Under this scheme, ₹2,000 per month will be provided to women aged 18-60, excluding those who are income tax payees.
• Support for Soldiers’ Families: The families of soldiers who have sacrificed their lives will receive ₹2 crore, along with job opportunities and financial assistance for their children’s education.
• Review of BJP Portals: The Congress has vowed to shut down the BJP’s Parivar Pehchan Patra (PPP) portal and review other portals, such as property ID and ‘Meri Fasal Mera Byora,’ which they claim cause inconvenience to the public.
• Creamy Layer Limit Increase: The limit for backward classes will be raised from ₹6 lakh to ₹10 lakh. A dedicated backward class welfare commission will also be established.
• Legal Reforms and Anti-Crime Initiatives: The party plans to set up a fast-track court for cases involving paper leaks and will release an annual recruitment calendar for government jobs. It has also pledged to implement strict laws to prevent mob lynching, hate crimes, and honor killings.
• Drug De-addiction Efforts: A commission for drug de-addiction will be formed, and the number of de-addiction centers across the state will be increased to combat substance abuse.
• Sports and Welfare Policies: A ‘bring medal, get post’ policy will be introduced to encourage athletes by offering government jobs to medal winners. Additionally, a Brahmin welfare commission and a Punjabi welfare board will be set up, and the Haryana Minority Commission will be reconstituted.
• Commitment to SYL Canal: The Congress has promised to work towards implementing the Supreme Court’s verdict on the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal, which they describe as the state’s lifeline.

The Congress has framed its manifesto as a blueprint for holistic development and social justice, with a clear focus on addressing issues faced by farmers, women, and marginalized communities. The party’s promises, if implemented, would mark a significant shift in policy direction for the state.

With the elections fast approaching, the manifesto sets the tone for what is expected to be a highly contested political battle in Haryana. The BJP, which currently holds power in the state, has yet to respond to the Congress’s proposals, but the promises made in the manifesto are likely to shape the narrative of the campaign in the coming weeks.