Ahead of the elections to the Jharkhand Assembly, the INDIA coalition- comprising Congress, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, RJD, and CPI-M- released a manifesto that pledges transformative welfare interventions for the people of the state. Some of the key assurances in the manifesto include the creation of 1 million jobs and free health insurance coverage of Rs 15 lakh for the economically vulnerable sections of the population, aimed at providing a social security net and increased access to the public healthcare system.
Main Commitments of the INDIA Bloc “7 Guarantees”
Jobs and Economic Support
The alliance has assured to create jobs in the number of 10 lakh aimed at making youth empowered to contribute positively towards economic development. This was laid out as part of a larger strategy to resolve the job crisis in the state and increase workforce participation, which has been an issue of concern in Jharkhand’s political arena.
Comprehensive Health Insurance
The manifesto promised health insurance for economically weaker groups to the tune of Rs 15 lakh as a contribution to ensuring the enhancement of health service delivery in the state. It also becomes a significant step towards reducing the burden of medical costs on poor families and provision for basic health services across all regions in the state.
Increased Reservation Quotas
Social justice remains a core proposition, with calls for increase in reservations: 28% for Scheduled Tribes (up from 26%), 12% for Scheduled Castes (up from 10%), and 27% for Other Backward Classes (up from 14%). This is intended to provide inclusiveness and equal opportunities for the marginalized.
Cost of Essentials and Management of Food Security
The INDIA bloc promised to increase monthly ration allocation to each individual from 5 kg to 7 kg, with subsidized gas cylinders at Rs 450. These moves are a response to inflation that has spurred the cost of living for people’s livelihood. The measures aim to strengthen food security and cut down living expenses.
Political Implications and Criticism
Where the promises were born: The party president, Mallikarjun Kharge and Chief Minister of Jharkhand, Hemant Soren made the promises during a press conference. This was a further indication of the bloc’s commitment to welfare policies. His remark also referred to Modi’s criticisms of those promises as unrealistic; he even said that Congress had made plenty of such promises in the past without redeeming them. To this, Kharge responded that Congress tends to keep its promises and is trying to earn the trust of the electorate in Jharkhand.
The manifesto of the INDIA bloc sets the political agenda for the elections at November 13 and 20, with counting on November 23. This would include all proposed programs focusing on economic relief, social justice, and health extension, as attempts to charge for public support in this election battling against each other.
