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In a significant move ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, the Congress Party has unveiled its comprehensive manifesto, outlining a series of progressive policies aimed at addressing key socio-economic challenges and promoting inclusivity in the country.
Among the flagship initiatives announced in the manifesto is the commitment to conduct a nationwide Socio-Economic and Caste Census to accurately enumerate castes and sub-castes, shedding light on their socio-economic conditions. Additionally, the party pledges to pass a constitutional amendment to lift the 50 per cent cap on reservations for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC), a move aimed at fostering greater representation and equity.
Highlighting its focus on social welfare, Congress vows to significantly increase the central government’s contribution to pensions for senior citizens, widows, and persons with disabilities under the National Social Assistance Programme, raising it from the current inadequate range of Rs 200-Rs 500 per month to Rs 1,000 per month.
In a landmark move towards inclusivity, Congress promises to enact legislation to recognize civil unions between couples belonging to the LGBTQIA+ community, reflecting a commitment to equality and non-discrimination.
Recognizing the importance of gender equality in the workforce, the manifesto pledges to reserve 50 per cent of central government jobs for women starting in 2025, a step towards empowering women and enhancing their participation in the workforce.
The manifesto also addresses concerns in the sports sector, with Congress proposing the enactment of a separate legislation for the registration of sports federations, ensuring autonomy, accountability, and protection against discrimination and abuse. Additionally, the party plans to provide sports scholarships of Rs 10,000 per month to talented young sports persons below the age of 21, nurturing the next generation of athletes.
In a bid to alleviate poverty, Congress announces the Mahalakshmi scheme, offering an unconditional cash transfer of Rs 1 lakh per year to every poor Indian family, providing essential support to those at the bottom of the income pyramid.
Furthermore, the manifesto emphasizes the party’s commitment to upholding the freedom of choice and rights of minorities, including the freedom to choose dress, food, language, and personal laws. Congress pledges to encourage reforms in personal laws through participatory and consensual processes.
Addressing the burden of student debt and unemployment, Congress promises to abolish application fees for government examinations and government posts, while also announcing a one-time relief measure to write off all student educational loans and compensate banks for the same.
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