SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) has released a detailed manifesto for the 2024 Legislative Assembly elections, focusing on three core promises: the restoration of statehood, the re-establishment of the Legislative Council, and the revival of the Durbar Move—a 149-year-old tradition of alternating the summer and winter capitals between Srinagar and Jammu.
These key promises reflect the Congress party’s commitment to restoring Jammu and Kashmir’s historic identity while addressing the socio-economic and governance challenges the region faces.
The Congress party promises to secure the restoration of statehood for Jammu and Kashmir by pressing for the passage of a resolution in the first Assembly session. Additionally, the manifesto emphasises prioritising Jammu and Kashmir domiciles for jobs, land allocations, and natural resource concessions. The Congress also vows to establish a Lokayukta within 100 days to investigate corruption and provide full powers to MLAs for constituency development.
Key governance promises include:
– Re-establishing the Legislative Council with representation for underrepresented groups such as minorities, OBCs, ex-servicemen, and experts.
– Holding Panchayat and Urban Local Body (ULB) elections under the 73rd and 74th constitutional amendments.
– No forced evictions from land occupied by poor people and marginal farmers until a fair land policy is implemented.
– Granting forest rights to forest dwellers under the Forest Rights Act within six months.
The Congress aims to address unemployment in Jammu and Kashmir by providing a monthly unemployment allowance of Rs 3,500 for qualified youth for up to one year. Additionally, the party promises to fill 1 lakh government vacancies within 30 days of assuming office and introduce a Job Calendar to streamline recruitment. Job applicants will pay a one-time exam fee each year, regardless of how many times they apply for government positions.
Other initiatives include:
– Reviving special border recruitment drives for the police, fire brigades, and forest protection forces.
– Creating a Tourist Protection and Welfare Force.
– Simplifying the verification process for jobs, passports, and other government services to minimise harassment.
The Congress manifesto highlights economic recovery through local industries, agriculture, and tourism. The party promises to:
– Introduce a minimum price of Rs 72/kg for apples and a 100% crop insurance scheme to protect farmers from natural disasters.
– Provide additional income support of Rs 4,000 per year to landless and tenant farmers.
– Establish a Rs 2,500 crore irrigation fund for district-level irrigation projects to ensure 100% irrigation coverage.
– Grant 99-year leases to landless farmers cultivating state land.
Women Empowerment
Under the Mahila Samman Scheme, Congress promises a monthly transfer of Rs 3,000 to female heads of households from economically weaker sections. Women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) will receive interest-free loans of up to Rs 5 lakh under the Sakhi Shakti programme.
Additional initiatives for women include:
– The introduction of a Beti Scholarship Scheme for girl children.
– Doubling the state share of the honorarium for Anganwadi workers, helpers, and Asha workers.
– Establishing women police cells at each police station and encouraging the creation of women’s clubs in Panchayats.
The Congress party aims to provide quality and affordable education for all students in Jammu and Kashmir by establishing state-of-the-art model schools at the block level. Other key education reforms include:
– Setting up model boarding schools in each district for equitable access to quality education.
– Filling vacancies across teaching positions, especially in remote areas.
– Ensuring affordable coaching for students from economically weaker sections.
– Establishing modern libraries and study centres in every block for students preparing for competitive exams.
Congress promises universal healthcare coverage of Rs 25 lakh, including treatment, diagnostics, and medication. The manifesto also details plans to deploy ambulance-equipped mobile clinics in every tehsil, providing primary healthcare access within 30 minutes.
To address the shortage of medical staff, the party will set up a committee of experts to recommend solutions, especially in rural areas, and fast-track the recruitment process for doctors.
Social Justice
The manifesto reiterates Congress’ commitment to safeguarding the rights of SCs, STs, OBCs, and EWS communities as enshrined in the Constitution. The party will work towards:
– Ensuring OBC representation in ULBs, Panchayats, and the Legislative Council.
– Fast-tracking claims under the Forest Rights Act for tribal communities.
– Providing fabricated classrooms in seasonal schools for migrating tribal populations.
Minorities and Ex-Servicemen
The Congress party pledges to revive Dr Manmohan Singh’s rehabilitation programme for Kashmiri Pandits and take further steps to ensure their dignified return. A Minorities Commission will be established within 100 days, and special attention will be given to ex-servicemen, including tax exemptions on CSD items and access to ECHS facilities.
Infrastructure Development
The Congress manifesto also prioritises infrastructure projects, promising to:
– Pursue the construction of tunnels and bridges on key roads, including a tunnel on the Mughal Road to ensure all-weather connectivity between Jammu and Srinagar.
– Improve railway connectivity with projects such as the Jammu-Poonch and Katra-Shivkhori extensions.
Environment and Energy
A key focus is placed on environmental protection and climate resilience. Congress promises to:
– Promote solar energy and offer subsidies to help households reduce their grid energy consumption.
– Provide free electricity up to 100 units per month for BPL households and pursue the return of NHPC hydel projects to JK.
