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Haryana Congress Manifesto 2024: Promises Rs 2,000 for women, Rs 2 crore as ‘Shaheed Samman Rashi’ for families of martyred soldiers
The Haryana Congress has unveiled a comprehensive manifesto ahead of the 2024 state assembly elections, focusing on a broad range of issues that aim to address the needs of various sections of society.
The manifesto outlines seven key guarantees, in addition to several other promises aimed at improving the economic, social, and agricultural landscape of the state.
Key Promises in the Manifesto
- Free Electricity and Subsidized LPG
One of the most significant proposals in the manifesto is the promise of 300 units of free electricity for households. Additionally, the Congress has pledged to provide LPG cylinders at a subsidized rate of Rs 500, a move aimed at alleviating the financial burden on families struggling with inflation and rising energy costs.
2. Empowerment of Women
The manifesto includes a plan to provide Rs 2,000 monthly to women aged 18 and above, as well as subsidized gas cylinders. This is part of a broader initiative to empower women economically, giving them more autonomy and financial security.
3. Youth and Employment
Youth employment is a major focus, with Congress promising to fill 2 lakh vacant government positions in Haryana. There are also pledges to launch a “Drug-Free Haryana” campaign to tackle the rising substance abuse issue in the state, which has become a significant social challenge.
4. Social Security Initiatives
The Congress manifesto includes plans to enhance social security by offering an old-age pension of Rs 6,000 per month. Widows and people with disabilities will also receive the same amount, aimed at improving the welfare of vulnerable sections of society. Another important promise is the reintroduction of the Old Pension Scheme, which had been discontinued under previous governments.
5. Farmers’ Welfare and Agricultural Reforms
For Haryana’s farmers, the Congress has committed to providing a legal guarantee of Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops, along with immediate compensation for crop losses. This is a critical issue for the state, where farming is a dominant occupation and farmers have long demanded MSP assurances to protect their incomes from market fluctuations.
The party has also vowed to grant ‘martyr’ status to farmers who died during the protests against the three controversial farm laws.
6. Minority and Backward Class Upliftment
The Congress manifesto also promises to restructure the Haryana Minority Commission and to give it more constitutional and administrative powers. A caste census will be conducted to better understand the economic and social conditions of different communities. For the backward classes, the creamy layer income limit will be raised from Rs 6 lakh to Rs 10 lakh, ensuring more families benefit from reservations and welfare programs.
7. Industrial and Economic Development
The manifesto includes plans to promote labour-intensive industries and introduce a new industrial policy to generate employment. Additionally, Congress has committed to setting up skill centers in districts like Mewat to enhance employability. Another notable economic promise is the reformation of the Parivar Pehchan Patra (Family ID) and property ID schemes, which the party claims have caused issues for the public under the current BJP government.
Promises for Soldiers and War Heroes
The party has also made pledges for the armed forces and paramilitary personnel, promising Rs 2 crore as ‘Shaheed Samman Rashi’ for families of martyred soldiers. This also includes financial support for the education of their children and a job guarantee for one family member.
Electoral Context
These promises come in the context of the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections, scheduled for October 5, with results to be declared on October 8. Congress is aiming to capitalize on public dissatisfaction with the current BJP-JJP coalition government, which it claims has reversed the state’s development progress over the last decade. The manifesto reflects an attempt to address grievances across different demographics, including women, youth, farmers, and marginalized communities.
In summary, the Congress manifesto for Haryana is packed with populist promises, focusing on improving social security, addressing unemployment, and ensuring farmer welfare. Whether these promises resonate with voters will be clear after the elections.
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