Article 370 finds no mention in J&K Congress manifesto
- In Reports
- 07:38 PM, Sep 17, 2024
- Myind Staff
Outlining its strategy for the elections to the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, the Congress on Monday released its manifesto just a day ahead of the first phase voting on September 18. There is no reference to Article 370, which has been a key demand of regional parties and ally National Conference (NC), but the Congress has promised restoration of the statehood of Jammu and Kashmir. “We will provide inclusive and accountable governance by ensuring that the central government grants statehood to Jammu and Kashmir,” the party stated.
While releasing the manifesto in Srinagar, Congress spokesperson and CWC member Pawan Khera said that the people of J&K “will get their rights by voting for the Congress and its allies”. “Voting for anyone else would mean that it is helping the BJP,” he remarked. Jammu & Kashmir Congress chief Tariq Hameed Karra also attended the event.
While visiting the Kashmir Valley recently, the Congress leadership remained silent about the reinstatement of Article 370, which the BJP government abolished in August 2019. Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, and Mallikarjun Kharge, the president of the party, also decided not to bring up this subject during their visit.
The party promised, among other things, to prioritise J&K residents "for jobs, government contracts, land allocation and natural resource concessions." It also promised an "unemployment allowance for qualified youth" of up to Rs 3,500 per month for a year, in addition to filling one lakh unfilled government jobs. Congress declared that it would review the admissions procedure for higher education, "by revisiting the Common University Entrance Test system."
It made a significant land reform commitment when it said it would "arrange 99-year leases for landless farmers." Additionally, it guaranteed a minimum price of Rs 72/kg for apples, Rs 4,000 in annual assistance to farmers, and 100% insurance against natural disasters for all crops. The party promised Rs 3,000 per month to women heads of household in the economically weaker section under the Mahila Samman Scheme. They also promised interest-free loans of Rs 5 lakh to women self-help groups.
The manifesto includes plans for doubling the state's share of the honorarium for Anganwadi, mid-day meal and Asha workers and nudging the central government to do the same for its share.
Image source: The Indian Express
Comments