Restoration of political and legal status of Jammu and Kashmir, job guarantees, dignified return of Kashmiri Pandits, even free electricity, were part of the National Conference (NC) manifesto for the UT’s Assembly elections, released by Vice-President Omar Abdullah Monday.
Voting for the elections is scheduled in three phases on September 18, 25 and October 1, with counting on October 4.
Addressing a press conference in Srinagar, Abdullah said, “If NC is voted to power, we will fight for the restoration of the political and legal status of J&K. We also promise 200 units of free power to the people of J&K.”
The manifesto includes several key guarantees aimed at improving the lives of the people in the region.
Among these, the NC pledges to repeal the Public Safety Act (PSA) and release political prisoners not involved in serious crimes.
The party also said it was committed to the dignified return of Kashmiri Pandits, easing passport verifications, and stopping unnecessary highway harassment.
Guarantees
Guarantees of the party included:
1) Repeal PSA
2) Release Political prisoners
3) Committed to the dignified return of Kashmiri Pandits
4) Eased Passport Verification
5) End to unjust terminations
6) Stopping unnecessary harassment of people on highways.
Other promises
1) Provide 1 lakh jobs to youth
2) J&K Youth Employment Generation Act to be passed within three months
3) Provide six cylinders free of cost to EWS
4) Free travel for women on all public transport
5) Enhanced marriage assistance
6) Increase the medical allowance of pensioners to Rs 1,000 from Rs 300
7) Minority commission to be established
8) PDS to be strengthened.
Additionally, the NC promises to fill up all vacancies in government departments within 180 days and make job applications free for all examinations.
Abdullah also highlighted plans to address electricity and water crises with 200 units of free electricity and work on the transfer of hydropower projects to J&K.
The party proposes a one-time settlement for pending electricity bill arrears and ensure free drinking water for each household.
The manifesto pledges to strengthen the Public Distribution System (PDS), increasing the allocation of free rice to 10 kg per person per month, with timely supplies of food grains and review allocations of kerosene and sugar.
In education, the NC plans to make higher education accessible to all by establishing six higher education institutions and two skill universities.
School buildings will also be modernised with smart classrooms. It will also be ensured that no school operates without a qualified teacher.
Other measures promised include support for horticulture and agriculture sector, restrictions on import of apples, increasing the minimum support price for domestic farmers, and setting up fruit and food preservation parks in each district.
Additionally, for urban development, the NC aims to tackle congestion and environmental sustainability issues by promoting alternative transportation modes and establishing satellite townships.
Regularisation of colonies in Srinagar and Jammu and development of new residential areas with essential services were also included in the party’s plans.
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