GG News Bureau
Haryana, 28th September. Ahead of the Haryana Assembly elections, the Congress Party on Saturday unveiled its manifesto, promising a wide range of welfare measures aimed at different sections of society. The manifesto, launched by Congress leaders Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Ashok Gehlot, and Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee (HPCC) President Udai Bhan, highlights major commitments such as free electricity, free healthcare, financial assistance to women, and a caste-based census in the state.
Key Promises
- Free Electricity and Medical Aid: Congress has pledged to provide 300 units of free electricity to households across Haryana. Additionally, the manifesto promises free medical treatment up to Rs 25 lakhs for every family, ensuring comprehensive healthcare coverage for the state’s population.
- Financial Assistance for Women: The manifesto promises financial assistance to women aged 18-60, offering Rs 2,000 per month under a scheme similar to Madhya Pradesh’s ‘Ladli Behen Yojana’ and Maharashtra’s ‘Ladki Behen Yojana.’ This initiative is aimed at empowering women and improving their financial independence.
- Support for Farmers: Continuing its national demand for a legal guarantee of the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops, Congress has promised to implement the same in Haryana, along with immediate compensation for crop damage. The party also plans to form a farmer commission and provide diesel subsidies to farmers, aiming to address key issues in the agricultural sector.
- Housing for the Poor: For economically weaker sections, Congress has promised to provide plots of 200 square yards along with two-room houses. This initiative seeks to address housing shortages and improve living conditions for the underprivileged in the state.
- Caste-Based Census: A major highlight of the manifesto is the promise to conduct a caste-based census in Haryana, a move that aligns with the Congress’s broader national agenda of ensuring social justice and equitable distribution of resources. The party has also pledged to raise the income limit for the creamy layer to Rs 10 lakh.
- Job Creation and Drug-Free State: Congress has committed to creating two lakh permanent jobs for the state’s youth, addressing unemployment concerns. Additionally, the manifesto includes a promise to make Haryana drug-free, emphasizing the party’s focus on social issues.
- Restoration of the Old Pension Scheme: In contrast to the Centre’s stance, Congress has pledged to restore the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) for state employees, a key demand in several states where the party has been actively campaigning.
- Social Welfare: Senior citizens, disabled individuals, and widows will receive Rs 6,000 per month under the proposed Budhapa Pension, Divyang Pension, and Vidhwa Pension schemes, respectively. The party also plans to establish new universities in Kurukshetra and Mewat, one of which will be named after Guru Govind Singh Ji, to promote education and regional pride.
At the launch event, Bhupinder Singh Hooda, a key figure in Haryana Congress, emphasized that the manifesto was the result of extensive research and consultation. He highlighted that several of the promises were inspired by successful welfare schemes implemented in states like Rajasthan. “This manifesto has been made after a lot of hard work. We have drawn from Rajasthan’s experiences during Ashok Gehlot’s tenure as Chief Minister and have learned from various states,” Hooda said.
Geeta Bhukkal, another Congress leader, reiterated the party’s commitment to ensuring a “safe and secure Haryana” and spoke about plans to promote the Punjabi language and culture within the state.
Haryana is set to go to the polls on October 5 to elect members of the 90-seat state assembly. The results will be announced on October 8. In the 2019 state elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emerged as the single largest party with 40 seats, while Congress secured 30 seats. The 2024 assembly elections are expected to be closely contested, with both parties vying for control of the state government.
The Congress manifesto aims to position the party as a champion of social welfare, economic justice, and inclusive governance, while promising to address key issues like unemployment, healthcare, and farmer welfare in Haryana.
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