Congress to launch manifesto: Issues party's likely to focus on
The Congress is expected to release its much-awaited crowd-sourced manifesto for the upcoming seven-phase General Elections on Tuesday. Congress President Rahul Gandhi has already, at election rallies and in tweets, outlined much of what could be the agenda. The NYAY minimum income scheme is expected to be part of Congress's manifesto. Here are some other key issues Congress's manifesto is likely to focus on.
Congress sought inputs for manifesto from the people
Seeking inputs for the manifesto, Congress had last year reached out to the masses in a number of ways. Congress also used online media and social media as part of its outreach efforts. Former Finance Minister P Chidambaram was appointed the Chairman of Manifesto Committee.
Here's what the Congress tweeted
NYAY minimum income scheme, reservation for women, universal healthcare scheme
Congress's manifesto is likely to focus on NYAY minimum income guarantee scheme, which was unveiled by Rahul Gandhi on 25 March. Also, 33% reservation for women in the Parliament, state assemblies, and government jobs could be included in the manifesto. It could also include replacing the government think-tank NITI Aayog with a restructured Planning Commission, universal healthcare scheme, job creation, and farm loan waivers.
Right to job and changes to anti-defection law
Among other prominent features, "right to job" is expected to be included in Congress's manifesto. Rahul Gandhi tweeted they would fill 22 lakh vacant government jobs by 31 March 2020. It could also include likely changes to the anti-defection law ensuring lawmakers' disqualification when they change parties. Martyr status to the central paramilitary forces personnel killed in action could also figure in the manifesto.
GST reform, abolition of Angel Tax, agriculture and education councils
Congress's manifesto could also announce a Goods and Services Tax (GST) reform and the abolition of Angel Tax for the benefit of start-ups. Angel Tax is the income tax levied on unlisted companies on the capital raised by issuing shares. GST Council-like agriculture and education councils and liberalized loan disbursal process for addressing the agrarian distress could also be part of the manifesto.
Free education, increased budget for universities, national security doctrine
In its manifesto, Congress might also include the promise to provide free education to students until Class 12 and to hike the budget for universities and higher educational institutions. The manifesto could also include a national security doctrine based on Lieutenant General (Retd.) DS Hooda's recommendations and directly elected Mayors with five-year terms and elected councils for improving quality of life in the cities.
