NEW DELHI: The INDIA bloc unveiled its manifesto for the upcoming Jharkhand assembly elections on Tuesday, pledging a boost in reservations for Scheduled Tribes (STs), Scheduled Castes (SCs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs). The manifesto promises to enhance the reservation for STs from 26% to 28%, SCs from 10% to 12%, and OBCs from 14% to 27%.
Chief minister Hemant Soren emphasized the bloc’s commitment to these guarantees, saying, “The next government will move forward with these promises.”
‘7 guarantees’ for social justice and welfare
The election manifesto, branded as the ‘7 guarantees,’ also outlines ambitious welfare measures. Chief among them is the creation of 10 lakh jobs for the youth and the provision of health insurance coverage of up to Rs 15 lakh for economically disadvantaged families.
“INDIA bloc will ensure 10 lakh jobs for youth and Rs 15 lakh health cover for the poor,” announced Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge during the manifesto’s release, alongside Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren and RJD leader JP Yadav.
7 key guarantees for Jharkhand
Guarantee of food security
Gas cylinder at Rs 450
7 kg of free ration per person every month
Guarantee of 1932-Based Khatian
Implementation of locality policy based on 1932 Khatian
Sarna Dharma Code to be established
Maiya Samman Yojana
Honorarium of Rs 2,500 per month for women
Guarantee of Social Justice
28% reservation for STs, 12% for SCs, and 27% for OBCs
Guaranteed employment and health protection
10 lakh jobs for youth
Health insurance coverage up to Rs 15 lakh for the poor
Guaranteed education
Degree colleges in every block
Establishment of engineering, medical colleges, and universities in district headquarters
Guarantee of farmer welfare
Minimum Support Price (MSP) for paddy to be increased to Rs 3,200
MSP for other agricultural products to be raised by 50%
Countering criticism from PM Modi
Kharge took the opportunity to respond to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s criticism of Congress’s guarantees. “Whenever we talk about guarantees, PM Modi criticizes them. However, Congress fulfills its promises, unlike the unfulfilled guarantees of Modi,” he said.
Election timeline
The 81-member Jharkhand Assembly elections are scheduled for November 13 and 20, with vote counting set for November 23. The INDIA bloc’s manifesto aims to address social justice, employment, and welfare, potentially influencing the election outcome.
