The Congress party has disclosed its manifesto for the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections, outlining key priorities such as job creation, infrastructure development, and social justice initiatives. The manifesto launch took place in Delhi, with party leader Mallikarjun Kharge joined by former presidents Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and former Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram, who chaired the drafting committee.
Congress manifesto is based on the party's five principles of justice 'Participation Justice', 'Kisan Justice', 'Women's Justice', 'Labour Justice', and 'Youth Justice'. Under the 'Youth Justice' umbrella, the party promises to generate 30 lakh government jobs and provide Rs 1 lakh annually to youth through an apprenticeship program.
Highlights of the Congress manifesto include pledges to create 30 lakh jobs in the central government, provide annual financial support to women from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, conduct a national caste census, grant legal status to Minimum Support Price (MSP) for farmers, ensure a minimum wage of Rs 400 under the MNREGA scheme, and reform laws governing investigative agencies and the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Additionally, the party commits to implementing recommendations from the Sachar Committee report.
In response to ongoing farmer protests, the Congress vows to implement MSP for cash crops and aims to uplift 23 crore people out of poverty over the next decade.
One of the key promises in the manifesto is to provide a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Prices (MSP) announced by the government annually, in line with recommendations from the Swaminathan Commission. To ensure effective implementation, the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) will be granted statutory status. Furthermore, MSP payments will be digitally credited directly to farmers' bank accounts at procurement centers and Agricultural Produce Market Committees (APMCs).
Recognizing the importance of access to finance for farmers, the Congress pledges to establish a Permanent Commission on Agricultural Finance. This commission will monitor agricultural credit availability and periodically assess the need for loan forbearance, providing crucial support to farmers in managing financial challenges.
Another significant reform outlined in the manifesto is the transformation of crop insurance to be farm and farmer-specific. Premiums will be calculated based on the insured sum, ensuring fair and equitable coverage. Importantly, all insurance claims will be settled within 30 days, offering timely assistance to farmers during times of crop loss or damage.
The Lok Sabha elections are scheduled to be held in seven phases starting from April 19, with results expected on June 4. As the ruling BJP prepares to launch its manifesto, it faces a united opposition led by the Congress under the INDIA banner, presenting a challenge for a third consecutive term in power.
