New Delhi: Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Friday said that if his party assumes power in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, they will ensure that 50 percent of government jobs are reserved for women.
Gandhi emphasised the transformative impact of empowered women on the nation's destiny as he questioned the prevailing employment statistics, highlighting that only one in three women are currently employed, with a meagre representation of one woman in every ten government positions.
Taking to X, Rahul Gandhi wrote, “Isn’t the population of women in India 50%? Is the presence of women in higher secondary and higher education not 50%? If so, then why is their share in the system so less? Congress wants – ‘Aadhi Abaadi Poora Haq’, we understand that women’s potential will be fully utilised only when women have equal contribution in the government running the country.”
Gandhi further underscored the importance of providing women with not just employment but also with financial security, stability, and dignity, asserting that such measures are pivotal for women to become the backbone of society.
“We are also in favour of immediate implementation of women’s reservation in Parliament and assemblies,” Gandhi added.
Notably, central to Congress's vision are their "Nari Nyay" guarantees, aimed at empowering women across economic strata. This includes a commitment to provide direct cash transfers of Rs 1 lakh per annum to one woman member of the poorest families in India. Additionally, the party pledges to reserve half of all new central government job openings for women, if voted to power.
Furthermore, the Congress promises to enhance support for frontline workers by doubling the central government's contributions to the monthly pay of ASHA, Anganwadi, and Mid-Day Meal workers. Additionally, they vow to establish 'Savitribai Phule Hostels' nationwide, doubling the number of working women's hostels, with at least one in every district.