In a bid to address the concerns of marginalized communities ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge unveiled a series of promises aimed at social justice and economic empowerment.
Among these pledges are commitments to pass a constitutional amendment to raise the 50 per cent cap on reservation for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs), as well as conducting a comprehensive social, economic, and caste census.
Kharge emphasized the significance of these guarantees, asserting that they would pave the way for a revolutionary transformation in the country's affirmative action policies.
Under the proposed constitutional amendment, the Congress aims to increase the reservation cap beyond 50 per cent, potentially reaching 60 or 65 per cent, akin to the model adopted by Tamil Nadu.
Additionally, the Congress promises to revive and enforce the special component plan for SCs and STs, with certain Congress-ruled states already taking steps in this direction.
Another focal point of the party's agenda is the 'Right to Jal-Jangal-Jameen' (Legal right to water, forest, and land), with an emphasis on safeguarding tribal forest rights and resolving pending Forest Rights Act claims within a year.
Furthermore, the Congress pledges to enhance the minimum support price (MSP) guarantee for minor forest produce, ensuring economic empowerment for tribal communities.
The party also vows to grant self-governance and protect cultural rights for tribal individuals, along with designating settlements with a majority tribal population as Scheduled Areas.
These commitments are part of a broader initiative titled 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra', spearheaded by party leader Rahul Gandhi, which aims to ensure justice for all Indians through social, economic, and political avenues.
The Congress has announced a total of 15 guarantees under categories such as 'Kisan Nyay' (Justice for Farmers), 'Yuva Nyay' (Justice for Youth), and 'Mahila Nyay' (Justice for Women), encapsulating its commitment to inclusive governance and equitable development.
As the Lok Sabha elections draw closer, these promises underscore the Congress's commitment to addressing the pressing issues of social inequality and economic disparity, striving to create a more equitable and just society for all citizens.
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