New Delhi— With the Lok Sabha elections just around the corner, the Indian National Congress has unveiled its manifesto, titled “Nyay Patra,” at its party headquarters in New Delhi. The document, released in the presence of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and senior leaders Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, KC Venugopal, and P Chidambaram, outlines the party’s vision for a more just and equitable India.
The manifesto centres around five core principles, referred to as the “pillars of justice.” These pillars aim to address critical issues affecting various sections of society.
Yuva Nyay (Justice for Youth): The Congress promises to create opportunities for the country’s youth, ensuring access to quality education, skill development, and employment prospects.
Naari Nyay (Justice for Women): Gender equality and safety are at the forefront. The party pledges to empower women through targeted policies and initiatives.
Kisaan Nyay (Justice for Farmers): Recognizing the challenges faced by farmers, the Congress commits to fair remuneration, improved agricultural infrastructure, and debt relief.
Shramik Nyay (Justice for Laborers): The manifesto emphasizes workers’ rights, including better wages, social security, and safe working conditions.
Hissedari Nyay (Justice for Equity): The Congress aims to bridge economic disparities by ensuring equitable distribution of resources and opportunities.
The “Nyay Patra” outlines several key promises that the Congress intends to fulfil if elected:
Constitutional Amendment for Reservations: The party pledges to raise the existing 50% cap on reservations for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs). This move aims to enhance social inclusivity.
Right to Apprenticeship Act: The Congress proposes legislation to provide one-year apprenticeships to diploma holders and graduates below the age of 25. This initiative aims to bridge the skills gap and boost employment prospects.
Minimum Support Prices (MSP) Guarantee: The manifesto ensures a legal guarantee for MSP, safeguarding farmers’ income and promoting agricultural sustainability.
Jammu and Kashmir Statehood Restoration: The Congress commits to restoring Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, addressing a long-standing issue.
Scrapping the Agnipath Scheme: The party plans to discontinue the Agnipath Scheme, redirecting resources toward more effective welfare programs.
Cashless Insurance Model: Inspired by Rajasthan’s successful model, Congress aims to implement cashless insurance coverage of up to Rs 25 lakh for universal healthcare.
National Minimum Wage: The manifesto proposes setting a minimum wage of Rs 400 per day, ensuring fair compensation for labourers.
Mahalakshmi Scheme: The Congress envisions providing Rs 1 lakh per year to every economically disadvantaged Indian family through the Mahalakshmi scheme.
In its manifesto, the Congress appeals to voters to transcend religious, linguistic, and caste boundaries.