For Lok Sabha Elections 2019, Congress released its manifesto on Tuesday. Looking at the highlights of the manifesto, under the jurisdiction scheme, Congress has promised to provide the financial help of Rs. 72,000 annually, 22 lakh jobs, the abolition of the treason law, abolition of the fee which is to be paid for the government jobs, a separate budget for farmers, increment in the working days of MNREGA, etc.
(Courtesy: The Indian Express)
The Justice Plan is the most important
It just looks like the rebirth of the same old promise which was made by BJP in 2014. Modi promised that every citizen will receive 15 lakh in their bank accounts, and here we are at the end of his tenure as the Prime Minister. I think Rahul Gandhi has used the same formula to woo the public this time.
According to the manifesto, every citizen’s minimum monthly income will become 12k. In case anyone has an income less than 12k, the government will compensate for it. Economists admit that it is indeed an attractive promise, but at the same time, they are confused as to from where will the government give this amount.
Focus on the farmers
In the manifesto of Congress, the main focus has been given to the farmers. Congress has promised a separate budget for the farmers of the country, which is an appreciable step looking at the conditions of farmers. The previous UPA government’s MNREGA proved to be the game-changer in the rural regions.
Now Congress is promising the increment in the working days of MNREGA, but how would be its functionality and execution, still remains a question.
Abolition of the Armed Force Special Act
Congress plans on abolishing the Armed Force Special Act. Although the news of the misuse of this law always keeps rising up in the North East, there is no other way except it in the Kashmiri Valley. So Congress needs to clarify what is its plan regarding Kashmir. Unless they have something ready, abolishing this act will be highly dangerous.
22 Lakh Jobs
Right now, the government has 22 lakh vacancies in government jobs. Now it is a good thing that Rahul Gandhi has set up the deadline of 31st March 2020 to fill these vacancies, if he came to power. However, people don’t believe that Rahul Gandhi can do so just within the 9 months of becoming the PM.