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Table of Contents
- Overview of the Manifesto
- Restoration of Statehood
- Rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits
- Empowering Farmers and Boosting Agriculture
- Addressing Unemployment and Creating Job Opportunities
- Empowering Women and Youth
- Revolutionizing Education and Skill Development
- Developing Infrastructure and Connectivity
- Strengthening Healthcare Systems
- Ensuring Good Governance and Transparency
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Overview of the Manifesto
In a significant development leading up to the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, the Indian National Congress has unveiled its manifesto, titled “Haath Badlega Halaat,” which translates to “The Hand Will Change the Situation.” The manifesto outlines the party’s vision and commitments to the people of the Union Territory, addressing key issues such as statehood, rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits, and the welfare of farmers, women, and youth.
Restoration of Statehood
One of the central promises made by the Congress in its manifesto is the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. The party has pledged to work towards reinstating the region’s status as a state, which was revoked in August 2019 following the abrogation of Article 370. The Congress leaders have emphasized that granting full statehood will be a priority if the party is elected to power.
Rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits
The rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits, who were forced to flee the Valley in the 1990s due to militancy, has been a long-standing issue in Jammu and Kashmir. The Congress manifesto addresses this concern by promising a comprehensive plan to ensure the safe return and rehabilitation of the displaced community. The party aims to provide a conducive environment for Kashmiri Pandits to restart their lives in their homeland.
Empowering Farmers and Boosting Agriculture
The Congress has put a strong emphasis on the welfare of farmers in its manifesto, recognizing the crucial role agriculture plays in Jammu and Kashmir’s economy. The party has promised to implement policies that will empower farmers and boost agricultural productivity. Some of the key measures include ensuring a minimum support price (MSP) of ₹72 per kilogram for apples, which are a major cash crop in the region, and providing financial assistance to farmers through subsidies and interest-free loans.
Addressing Unemployment and Creating Job Opportunities
Unemployment has been a pressing issue in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly among the youth. The Congress manifesto aims to tackle this challenge by creating job opportunities and providing unemployment allowance. The party has pledged to create 1 lakh government jobs within the first year of forming the government. Additionally, the manifesto proposes an unemployment allowance of ₹5,000 per month for educated unemployed youth until they secure a job.
Empowering Women and Youth
Women Empowerment Initiatives
The Congress has laid out a comprehensive plan to empower women in Jammu and Kashmir. The party has promised to increase the representation of women in government jobs and decision-making bodies. It has also pledged to provide financial assistance to women entrepreneurs and self-help groups, enabling them to start and expand their businesses.
Youth Development Programs
The manifesto also focuses on the holistic development of youth in the region. The party has proposed to establish skill development centers and vocational training institutes to equip young people with the necessary skills to enhance their employability. Additionally, the Congress aims to promote sports and extra-curricular activities by building world-class sports infrastructure and providing scholarships to talented athletes.
Revolutionizing Education and Skill Development
Education and skill development are key pillars of the Congress manifesto. The party has committed to revamping the education system in Jammu and Kashmir by increasing the budget allocation for education, modernizing infrastructure, and introducing innovative teaching methods. The manifesto also proposes to set up new colleges and universities, particularly in remote areas, to ensure accessible higher education for all.
Developing Infrastructure and Connectivity
To boost economic growth and improve the standard of living in Jammu and Kashmir, the Congress has prioritized infrastructure development and connectivity. The party plans to invest in road, rail, and air connectivity projects, linking the region with the rest of the country. The manifesto also includes proposals to upgrade healthcare facilities, construct affordable housing, and provide uninterrupted power supply to households and businesses.
Strengthening Healthcare Systems
The Congress has recognized the importance of a robust healthcare system, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The party has pledged to increase the budget allocation for healthcare, modernize hospitals and clinics, and ensure the availability of essential medicines and equipment. The manifesto also proposes to set up new medical colleges and nursing institutes to address the shortage of healthcare professionals in the region.
Ensuring Good Governance and Transparency
Good governance and transparency are essential for the development and progress of any region. The Congress manifesto promises to usher in an era of transparent and accountable governance in Jammu and Kashmir. The party has committed to implementing various measures to curb corruption, streamline administrative processes, and ensure public participation in decision-making. The manifesto also includes proposals to strengthen local bodies and empower grassroots-level institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the main promise made by the Congress in its manifesto for the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections?
- How does the Congress plan to address the issue of unemployment in Jammu and Kashmir?
- What measures has the Congress proposed to empower farmers in the region?
- How does the Congress plan to rehabilitate Kashmiri Pandits?
- What steps will the Congress take to improve healthcare in Jammu and Kashmir?
- How does the Congress plan to ensure good governance and transparency in the region?
The main promise made by the Congress is the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, which was revoked in August 2019 following the abrogation of Article 370.
The Congress has pledged to create 1 lakh government jobs within the first year of forming the government and provide an unemployment allowance of ₹5,000 per month for educated unemployed youth until they secure a job.
The party has promised to ensure a minimum support price (MSP) of ₹72 per kilogram for apples and provide financial assistance to farmers through subsidies and interest-free loans.
The Congress manifesto includes a comprehensive plan to ensure the safe return and rehabilitation of displaced Kashmiri Pandits, providing them with a conducive environment to restart their lives in their homeland.
The party has pledged to increase the budget allocation for healthcare, modernize hospitals and clinics, set up new medical colleges and nursing institutes, and ensure the availability of essential medicines and equipment.
The Congress has committed to implementing measures to curb corruption, streamline administrative processes, strengthen local bodies, and empower grassroots-level institutions to ensure transparent and accountable governance.
Conclusion
The Congress manifesto for the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections presents a comprehensive roadmap for the development and progress of the region. With a focus on restoring statehood, rehabilitating Kashmiri Pandits, empowering farmers, addressing unemployment, and ensuring good governance, the party has outlined its vision for a prosperous and inclusive Jammu and Kashmir. As the elections draw closer, it remains to be seen how the party’s promises will resonate with the people and shape the future of the Union Territory.
