The Congress on Monday released its manifesto for the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, promising to restore the Union Territory's full statehood if elected. However, it remained mum on Article 370.
The manifesto said it is the "sacred duty" of the Congress to fight "divisive forces" and for doing that, the party has no problem in cooperating with like-minded political parties.
In the manifesto, the party neither supported the abrogation of Article 370 nor supported its restoration. However, it promised to re-establish the Legislative Council, which was abolished after the abrogation of Article 370 and vowed to hold panchayat and urban bodies' elections under 73rd and 74th Constitutional amendments.
Congress had promised to provide inclusive and accountable governance. It also promised to restore the 149-year-old practice of six monthly shuttling of top government offices between Srinagar and Jammu cities.
The party promised that in government jobs, domicile citizens of J&K shall be given preference.
According to the manifesto, if elected, the party will bring a white paper on corruption and set up Lokayukta within the first 100 days of coming to power. The Congress further promised to empower MLAs so that they can deliver on the aspirations of those who elect them.
"There would be no eviction of poor people and farmers from lands under their continuous occupation," it said.
It said the party will implement the Public Services Guarantee Act letter and spirit.
The Congress promised to confer all rights on the displaced persons from West Pakistan who came to Jammu and Kashmir in 1947, 1965 and 1971. "Will regularise Bastis of displaced persons and refugees," it said.
Under the Mahila Samman Scheme, the Congress promised an incentive of Rs 3,000 per month to all women heads of the household under Economically Weaker Sections and besides that, the party has promised to give unemployment allowance up to Rs 3,500 per month to eligible youth for one year.
The party promised to fill 1 lakh government vacancies lying vacant and a job calendar shall be issued within the first 30 days itself.
"We will provide Rs 25 lakh health insurance coverage including treatment, diagnostics and medicines, it said.
"Our manifesto reflects our commitment to a higher vision, that of listening to the inner voice. It is not the 'Mann ki Baat' of one individual but the collective voice of crores of people. We have used all possible tools – Website, WhatsApp, Email, online petitions, and meetings with citizens, experts, stakeholders and grassroots activists. The Manifesto Committee of the J&K Pradesh Congress Committee held discussions with a wide variety of people before deciding on our vision," said the party.
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