Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge pledged on Saturday to enact a constitutional amendment to increase the 50 per cent cap on reservations for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs), ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. Additionally, he promised to conduct a comprehensive social, economic, and caste census.

The promises are included in another set of five guarantees, named 'Shramik Nyay' and 'Hissedari Nyay', announced by the party on Saturday.

"The Congress Party pledges to conduct a comprehensive social, economic, and caste census. This survey will assess the population, socio-economic status of all castes and communities, their proportion of national wealth, and their representation in governance-related institutions," Kharge stated, outlining the guarantees under 'Hissedari Nyay'.

Kharge asserted that the proposed affirmative action policy would herald a revolutionary transformation in the nation. He further stated that the Congress Party guarantees the passage of a constitutional amendment to increase the reservation cap for SC, ST, and OBC categories beyond the existing 50 percent limit. Kharge highlighted that the cap could potentially be raised to 60 or 65 percent, drawing inspiration from Tamil Nadu's model, which the Congress aims to replicate.

Kharge also highlighted the Congress Party's commitment to reviving and enacting by law the special component plan for SCs and STs, noting that several Congress-governed states have already initiated this process. Addressing the 'Right to Jal-Jangal-Jameen' (Legal right to water, forest, and land), he underscored the party's assurance to safeguard tribal forest rights.

Kharge stated that the party pledges to address all pending claims under the Forest Rights Act within one year and to establish a transparent process for reviewing rejected claims within six months.

Regarding the "Apni Dharti, Apna Raaj" initiative, Kharge mentioned that the Congress party will raise the minimum support price (MSP) guarantee for minor forest produce. Additionally, he assured self-governance to tribal communities and protection of their cultural rights.

The Congress has affirmed its commitment to designating all settlements where tribals constitute the majority as Scheduled Areas, the party disclosed. Kharge highlighted that during the 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra', spearheaded by party leader Rahul Gandhi, the Congress has introduced 15 guarantees under 'Kisan Nyay', 'Yuva Nyay', and 'Mahila Nyay'.

The party stated that each of the 'Nyay' guarantees will consist of five points, totaling 15 across the three guarantees. It emphasised that the primary goal of the 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra' is to ensure justice for all Indians, encompassing social, economic, and political justice.

Image source: Times of India