RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav (left) with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.
Credit: PTI File Photo
The I.N.D.I.A. bloc officially released its manifesto for the much-awaited Bihar Assembly elections on Tuesday (October 28). Outlining the policies it will implement when it comes into power, the RJD-Congress led Mahagathbandhan bloc has pledged various promises, with a focus on equality for minority communities. Here is a look at some of the features of the I.N.D.I.A. bloc manifesto:
Providing government jobs to one member of each family within 20 days of government
A law will be enacted to provide government jobs to one member of each family in state within 20 days of the formation of INDIA bloc government.
Contractual and outsourced employees will be made permanent
The manifesto also outlines that contractual and outsourced employees will be made permanent, as well as all Jeevika CM (Community Mobiliser) will be made permanent and given status of government employees. Salary will be Rs 30,000 per month.
Skill-based employment in various sectors
Skill-based employment will be created in sectors such as IT, Special Economic Zones (SEZs), dairy-based industries, agro-based industries, healthcare, agriculture, food processing, renewable energy, logistics, manufacturing, and tourism.
Educational city will be set up on 2,000 acres
An educational city will be set up on 2,000 acres, along with industry clusters and five new expressways.
Women will receive Rs 2,500 per month as financial assistance starting December 1
Under 'Mai Bahin Maan Yojana', women will receive Rs 2,500 per month as financial assistance starting December 1, and Rs 30,000 per year for next five years.
Widows and senior citizens will receive monthly pension of Rs 1,500, which will increase by Rs 200 annually
Under Social Security Pension Scheme, widows and senior citizens will receive monthly pension of Rs 1,500, which will increase by Rs 200 every year. Persons with disabilities will receive a monthly pension of Rs 3,000.
Every family will receive 200 units of free electricity
The bloc has promised that every family will receive 200 units of free electricity.
Abolishment of application and examination fees for competitive exams
Application and examination fees for competitive exams will be abolished, and free travel to and from the examination centers will be provided. Also, strict action will be taken to prevent paper leaks and exam irregularities.
Farmers will be guaranteed purchase of all crops at Minimum Support Price (MSP)
Farmers will be guaranteed purchase of all crops at Minimum Support Price (MSP), and mandi and market committees will be revived. Mandis will be set up at divisions, sub-divisions, and block levels.
Free health insurance coverage up to Rs 25 lakh
Every person will receive free health insurance coverage up to Rs 25 lakh under the Jan Swasthya Suraksha Yojana.
Current daily wage of Rs 255 will be increased to Rs 300
Under MGNREGA, the current daily wage of Rs 255 will be increased immediately to Rs 300 and the 100-day work limit will be raised to 200 days.
Reservation for Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs)
Reservation for Extremely Backward Classes (EBC) in panchayats and urban local bodies will be increased from 20 per cent to 30 per cent.
A zero-tolerance policy towards crime
In a step forward, the Mahagathbandhan will implement a zero-tolerance policy towards crime.
Waqf Amendment Act will be halted
The Waqf Amendment Act will be halted and Waqf property management will be made transparent, welfare-oriented, and useful.
Rights of all minority communities will be protected
The manifesto mentions that if the bloc is elected to power, the constitutional rights of all minority communities will be protected.