Congress to vow dwelling place for homeless SCs/STs, OBCs

NEW DELHI: Congress intends to promise a farm loan waiver similar to the one the UPA government implemented in 2008 in its manifesto the party working committee finalised on Monday. Universal healthcare, right to land to all homeless Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and OBCs, amending Constitution to allow reservation in promotions and passage of women’s reservation bill in Parliament’s first session are some of the other promises.

The manifesto also proposes to tap the “great potential” of the farm sector by setting up cold storage plants, food processing industries and farm based industries to provide employment. Any homeless person belonging to SC/ST/OBC would be provided land or a dwelling unit. The Congress has also promised a constitutional amendment to introduce reservation in promotions, considered a political hot potato. Improved representation of Backward Classes in the judiciary is another promise. The manifesto has proposed setting up of a National Law Commission for judicial appointments to introduce transparency and ensure better representation of SCs/STs/OBCs in the judiciary. A universal healthcare scheme and jobs for educated youth would also find a place in the Congress manifesto.

It also promises a range of reforms in education, including easy loans, filling vacancies in educational institutions in a year and enhanced scholarships with improved disbursal system to win over the youth. The party has also promised to fill vacancies in government institutions and corporations in a year.

The CWC meeting also saw detailed discussions on national security. Aware of the impact of the Balakot air strikes, the Congress manifesto will showcase its commitment to fight terrorism. A ‘balance’ of foreign policy and an ‘iron hand’ in fighting terrorism will be the line the manifesto will take on national security. The manifesto is likely to be released on April 2, eight days ahead of the first phase of polling.