Jharkhand Assembly Elections: The INDIA bloc on Tuesday unveiled its poll manifesto for the upcoming Jharkhand assembly elections, promising 10 lakh jobs for the youth and a health insurance coverage of up to Rs 15 lakh for the poor.
The "One Vote, Seven Guarantees" election manifesto of the INDIA bloc also includes social justice by increasing reservations for STs, SCs, and OBCs, and increasing MSP for paddy and providing 50 percent price support to farmers for certain forest products.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, while jointly releasing the manifesto with Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren and RJD's JP Yadav, said: "INDIA bloc will ensure 10 lakh jobs for youth and Rs 15 lakh health cover for the poor".
"Whenever we talk about any guarantees, Prime Minister Narendra Modi immediately criticises it... PM Modi came here and during his speech, he mentioned my name and said that there is no reliability of Congress's guarantees... Congress fulfills all its guarantees but Modi's guarantees never get fulfilled," he added.
INDIA bloc has also promised to enhance the food security in the state by increasing the free monthly ration for the poor to 7 kg from 5 kg and making gas cylinders availabe at Rs 450.
CM Hemant Soren said that after the elections the upcoming government will move ahead with the seven guarantees launched by the INDIA bloc.
Here are the seven guarantees promised by the INDIA Bloc as part of their Jharkhand elections manifesto:
1. 1932 Locality-Based Policy: Implement policies based on the 1932 land records, Sarna religious code, and protect local languages and culture.
2. Monthly Respect Allowance: ₹2,500 per month starting December 2024.
3. Social Justice: Reservation for ST (28%), SC (12%), OBC (27%), and protections for minorities; a Ministry for Backward Classes.
4. Food Security: 7 kg ration per person and LPG at ₹450.
5. Employment & Health: Jobs for 10 lakh youth and health insurance up to ₹15 lakh.
6. Education: Colleges in every block, universities, and industrial parks in each district.
7. Farmer Welfare: MSP increase for paddy and 50% price support for certain forest products.
In Jharkhand, the JMM, RJD, and Congress are contesting the Assembly polls in an alliance. Congress has fielded candidates on 30 seats, while JMM will be contesting on 40 seats. RJD has fielded its candidates on seven seats.
Elections to the 81-member Jharkhand Assembly will be held in two phases on November 13 and 20. The counting of votes will take place on November 23.