With the 2024 Lok Sabha elections around the corner, the Congress party has published its manifesto on Friday, titled ‘Nyay Patra’ at the All India Congress Committee (AICC) headquarters in New Delhi.
This manifesto, which translates to ‘Justice Charter’, underscores the party’s commitment to justice through five key pillars: ‘Yuva Nyay’, ‘Naari Nyay’, ‘Kisaan Nyay’, ‘Shramik Nyay’, and ‘Hissedari Nyay’.
The manifesto, which was developed after nationwide consultations and over the period of receiving thousands of suggestions via email and the website “Awaaz Bharat Ki”, depicts a large vision for a more equal and inclusive India. One of the leading policies of the manifesto is the resolution to undertake a nationwide socio-economic and caste census which would help in identifying socio-economic conditions of different castes and sub-castes of the society.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge expressed the party’s commitment through a tweet, stating, “Our 5 NYAY – 25 GUARANTEE agenda represents our non-negotiable commitment to the welfare of the Nation. Since 1926 till date, the Congress Manifesto is a solemn document of the inseparable trust between us and the People of India.” This tweet reflects the party’s historical dedication to serving the nation’s interests.
Key Highlights and Promises:
- Reservation and Employment
The Congress party promises to fill up around 30 lakh vacancies at various levels of the central government. Coming up with this, there is a proposal to introduce 10% jobs and educational seats quota for economically weaker sections (EWS) across the castes and communities without discrimination.
- Minimum Support Price (MSP)
The manifesto ensures legal provision of the Minimum Support Prices (MSP) as directed by the central government annually and in unison with the Swaminathan commission recommendations.
- Gender Equality
The parliament pledges to employ at least 50% of women for central government jobs from 2025. Along with that, they recommend the ‘Mahalakshmi scheme’ by providing Rs 1 lakhs per year as an unconditional cash transfer to every poor family.
- Social Justice
The manifesto defends the far-reaching revisions in personal laws and the addition of more languages to the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. Additionally, we pledge to pass an amendment to the constitution to increase the 50% cap on reservations for SC, ST and OBC.
- Healthcare and Welfare
The Congress plans to follow the celebrated Rajasthan cashless insurance scheme of upto Rs 25 lakh encompassing universal healthcare. They also propose to extend the pension amount for elder people, widows and the disabled to Rs 1,000 per month under the National Social Assistance Program.
- Economic Policies
The party pledges to double the country’s GDP within ten years and reform the whole old GST system adopting GST 2.0, which involves a moderate tax that is not a burden to the poor.
- Foreign Policy
The Congress vows to repair relations with neighbouring countries like Maldives and then to help in settling the disputes along the borders in China.
Additional Promises from ‘Nyay Patra’:
- Adoption of civil union law intending to formally recognise the LGBTQIA+ partnerships.
- Creating sport scholarships and legislation exclusively for sports federations.
- The amendment of election regulations to incorporate EVM efficiency and paper ballot transparency.
- Formulation of Press Council of India Act Amendment to fight the paid news and fake news efficiently.
The Congress manifesto in the 2024 general election rolls out a holistic plan which is geared towards solving issues of social and economic inequality, gender inequalities, and inclusive development. ‘Nyay Patra’ is unveiled, detailing an aggressive plan of social and economic transformation of India by implementing major changes in many areas which will have to be implemented if the party is voted to power.
It symbolizes the party’s determination to work on justice and welfare provision for all societal groups, reflecting their key principle of progressive government based on equity.
