Congress Manifesto Promises Full Statehood For J&K, Silent On Article 370

The Congress party unveiled its manifesto for the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections on Monday. It promised to restore full statehood if elected. The manifesto, however, did not address Article 370.

Statehood and Legislative Changes

The Congress vowed to fight “divisive forces” and work with like-minded parties. It did not take a stance on Article 370’s abrogation but promised to reinstate the Legislative Council. The party also pledged to hold panchayat and urban body elections as per the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments.

The manifesto included a promise to restore the practice of moving top government offices between Srinagar and Jammu every six months. The Congress also committed to prioritizing domicile residents of J&K for government jobs.

Welfare and Governance Commitments

The Congress pledged to introduce a white paper on corruption and set up a Lokayukta within the first 100 days. It assured that no poor people or farmers would be evicted from their lands. The party also promised to implement the Public Services Guarantee Act fully.

The manifesto promised rights to displaced persons from West Pakistan who came to J&K in 1947, 1965, and 1971. It also committed to regularizing settlements for displaced persons and refugees.

Under the Mahila Samman Scheme, the Congress promised Rs 3,000 monthly to women heads of households from economically weaker sections. It also pledged an unemployment allowance of up to Rs 3,500 per month for qualified youth for one year. The party aimed to fill 100,000 vacant government posts and provide Rs 25 lakh in health insurance coverage.

The Congress said its manifesto reflects extensive consultation with citizens, experts, and grassroots activists.

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