Congress party has released its manifesto “Nyay Patra” today, focussing on work, welfare and wealth. Top party leaders including Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, KC Venugopal and P Chidambaram, etc, among others, were present during the release of the keenly-awaited document.
‘Paanch Nyay’ and ‘Pachees Guarantee’ is the broad theme of the party’s manifesto this time.
The party has promised to restore Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, giving legal guarantee to MSP, among others.
Congress guaranteed it will pass constitutional amendment to raise 50 per cent cap on reservations for SC, ST and OBC. Congress says it will conduct nationwide socio-economic and caste census, it promises in the manifesto.
Ten per cent quota in jobs, educational institutions for EWS will be implemented for all castes, communities without discrimination, it said.
In the manifesto, the party promised to abolish Agnipath programme and direct Armed Forces to resume normal recruitment to achieve full sanctioned strength.
Congress’ manifesto promised to fill nearly 30 lakh vacancies in sanctioned posts at various levels in the Union government.
Congress will launch urban employment programme guaranteeing work for urban poor in reconstruction, renewal of urban infrastructure, the manifesto said.
Congress said it will reserve one-half (50 per cent) of central government jobs for women starting 2025.
Congress promised to enact a Direct Taxes Code “that will usher in an era of transparency, equity, clarity and impartial tax administration of direct taxes”. Congress will eliminate “Angel tax” and all other exploitative tax schemes that inhibit investment in new micro, small companies and innovative start-ups, it said.
Rajasthan model of cashless insurance of up to Rs 25 lakh will be adopted for universal healthcare, said the manifesto.
On the section on media and press freedom in the manifesto, the Congress promised to strengthen the system of self-regulation, protect journalistic freedoms, uphold editorial independence and guard against government interference by making amendments to the Press Council of India Act, 1978.
The grand old party promised to defend independent journalism by enacting laws to protect journalists from coercive action by the State. This includes restricting the powers of the government to surveil journalists, seizing their devices and exposing their sources. “All media houses, irrespective of the size, will be required to disclose their ownership structures (direct and indirect), cross holdings, revenue streams, etc. through their websites,” the manifesto stated.
In its manifesto, the party promised to withdraw the Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, 2023.
The manifesto states that the Congress would also amend the Cinematograph Act, 1952 to ensure that the Central Board of Film Certification grants graded certificates per transparent and reasonable criteria.
