New Delhi: The Congress party on Wednesday launched its election manifesto for the upcoming Delhi elections, making significant promises, including a caste census, the establishment of a Ministry for Purvanchalis, and several welfare schemes targeting women, youth, marginalized communities, and working professionals. The manifesto is structured around five key guarantees, drawing inspiration from successful initiatives implemented in Congress-governed states such as Karnataka.
Among the major highlights are financial assistance for women, employment incentives for youth, and extensive social welfare measures. The party has pledged a monthly allowance of ₹2,500 for women, cooking gas cylinders at ₹500, free ration kits, health coverage up to ₹25 lakh per family, a one-year apprenticeship program for youth with a ₹8,500 monthly stipend, and free electricity up to 300 units for all households.
Welfare Commitments Across Various Sectors
Support for Purvanchalis
Congress has assured a grand celebration of Chhath Puja, including a public holiday and liquor ban. The party also promised a dedicated Chhath Puja district near the Yamuna, the establishment of Purvanchal Bhawans, and the creation of a Ministry for Purvanchalis. Additionally, the party aims to restore the Yamuna and remove encroachments affecting the river’s ecosystem.
For the Muslim Community
The manifesto outlines plans to modernize and develop Madrasas, revive the Delhi Waqf Board, and ensure timely disbursement of payments to Imams and Muezzins.
For the LGBTQIA+ Community
Congress has proposed horizontal reservations for transgender persons in education and government jobs. The party also promises scholarships, hostels, gender-neutral washrooms, and sensitivity training for government employees. Additionally, a legal review will be conducted to prevent discrimination against LGBTQIA+ individuals.
For SC/ST/OBC Communities
The party has vowed to conduct a caste survey in Delhi and reserve 15% of government contracts for SC communities. The OBC creamy layer income limit will be increased to ₹12 lakh, and the Mandal Commission recommendations will be fully implemented. Congress also promises free pilgrimage for Dalit communities and financial aid for SC/ST/OBC individuals to support traditional occupations and startups.
Governance and Anti-Corruption Measures
Congress has promised to introduce a stronger Lokpal Bill within six months and launch an investigation into alleged scams, including the Liquor Scam and Delhi Jal Board Scam.
Support for Working Professionals and Students
To support professionals, Congress has pledged to create public parks, wellness zones, and recreational spaces while offering tax incentives for companies providing daycare and flexible work arrangements. The party also aims to replace NEP 2020 with the Delhi Education Policy, provide free DTC bus passes for students, and develop neighborhood playgrounds on private lands.
Restoration of Sheila Dikshit’s Welfare Programs
The manifesto promises the revival of popular schemes from the Sheila Dikshit era, including the Bhagidari Scheme, School Welfare Committees, and Patient Welfare Committees.
Public Infrastructure and Essential Services
Congress has pledged to ensure 24×7 clean drinking water, ending reliance on the water tanker mafia. The party also plans to restore over 15,000 Civil Defence Volunteers (Home Guards) and provide a ₹5,000 monthly pension for senior citizens, widows, persons with disabilities, transgender individuals, and the destitute.
The manifesto also outlines a 33% reservation for women in new state government jobs and a 4% reservation for Persons with Disabilities. Additionally, Congress promises ₹1.1 lakh ‘Shagun’ for the marriage of disadvantaged widows, orphan girls, and graduate women from poor families.
Economic and Employment Policies
To ensure job security, Congress has committed to permanent employment for contractual workers, including Safai Karamcharis, by 2025. The party also promises higher wages for Anganwadi and ASHA workers and fast-track redevelopment of 27 unplanned industrial areas.
Women’s Safety and Agriculture Support
The manifesto includes provisions for self-defense classes for women and waiver of electricity dues for farmers. Additionally, the party aims to establish 24-hour dispensaries in every constituency and introduce smaller buses to improve transportation in inner colonies.
With a 26-page manifesto containing 219 promises, Congress aims to position itself as a strong alternative in Delhi’s political landscape by focusing on social welfare, economic development, and governance reforms.
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