Congress releases manifesto for Jharkhand, pledges 10 lakh govt jobs for youth

Ranchi, Nov 12: As Jharkhand gears up for the first phase of voting in the Assembly elections tomorrow, Congress has unveiled its manifesto, making bold promises to reshape the state’s future. In a move to capture the youth vote, the party has promised to create 10 lakh government jobs over the next five years, alongside a monthly allowance of Rs 5,000 for youth who have aged out of eligibility for government recruitment.

The manifesto was presented by Congress’s Manifesto Committee Chairman and former Minister Bandhu Tirkey, along with MP Sukhdev Bhagat and other key leaders, at an event held at the party’s state office in Ranchi on Tuesday evening.

With less than 24 hours remaining before voters head to the polls for 43 seats in the first phase, the Congress manifesto outlines several ambitious proposals aimed at addressing local concerns and bolstering socio-economic welfare. Among the major promises is the implementation of a 1932 Khatian-based local policy and the recognition of the Sarna dharma code, along with an emphasis on promoting regional languages and culture.

Women’s empowerment features prominently in the manifesto, with a promise to roll out the ‘Maiya Samman Yojana’ beginning in December 2024, providing women with a monthly allowance of Rs 2,500. Additionally, Congress has pledged to reserve 28 per cent of government jobs for Scheduled Tribes, 12 per cent for Scheduled Castes, and 27 per cent for Other Backward Classes, while also establishing a Backward Classes Welfare Ministry and introducing special schemes for minority communities.

In a bid to support low-income households, Congress has committed to increasing the monthly ration allowance to 7 kg per person and providing subsidized gas cylinders at Rs 450. The manifesto also promises significant investments in education, including the establishment of a degree college in every block and engineering, medical colleges, and universities in each district headquarters.

Agriculture also features heavily in the manifesto, with the Congress promising to raise the minimum support price (MSP) for paddy from Rs 2,400 to Rs 3,200 and increase the MSP for other local produce like lac, tussar, karanja, tamarind, and mahua by 50 per cent.

In terms of law and order, the Congress has committed to enacting a stringent anti-mob lynching law and establishing a women’s commission within one month of assuming power. The party also vowed to revoke the land bank policy introduced by the previous BJP government.

As voting approaches, the manifesto paints a picture of an inclusive and progressive Jharkhand, with the Congress positioning itself as the champion of the state’s marginalized communities and youth.