Cong Promises Subsidised LPG Cylinders, Old-Age Pension, Health Insurance In Manifesto For Mizoram Polls

The Congress party in its manifesto promised subsidised LPG cylinders, an old-age pension of Rs 2,000 per month, and enhanced health insurance coverage of up to Rs 15 lakhs for Mizoram.

The Congress party on Monday revealed its manifesto for the upcoming elections in Mizoram, pledging a range of measures, including subsidised LPG cylinders, an old-age pension of Rs 2,000 per month, and enhanced health insurance coverage of up to Rs 15 lakhs, among other welfare initiatives. If voted to power in the Northeastern state, the Congress has assured that it will establish a government focused on efficiency, transparency, and a commitment to combat corruption.

Mizoram Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) Chief Spokesman Ronald Sapa Tlai announced the manifesto, underlining the party's commitment to empowering local democracy. "The Congress government will strengthen grassroots democracy by giving more power, responsibilities, and financial resources to the village councils and local bodies," stated Tlai, as quoted by news agency ANI.

The manifesto also emphasises the need for infrastructure development, including better connectivity, airports, and electricity in the state. In a bid to support farmers and entrepreneurs, the Congress government has proposed the "Young Mizo Entrepreneurs Program (YmElevate)" with provisions for startup funding and a goal to create 100,000 jobs for Mizo youths.

Additionally, the manifesto promises to provide health insurance coverage of up to Rs 15 lakhs for families without government employees. The party plans to allocate a budget of 5 crores for terminally ill patients, ANI's report mentioned. The old-age pension will be increased to Rs 2,000 per month. Subsidised LPG gas will be made available at Rs 750 per cylinder for Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) and Priority Household (PHH) cardholders, as well as women-headed families.

The Congress also committed to enhance assistance to widows and the differently-abled under the National Social Assistance Program to Rs 2,000 per month, the report stated.

In the 40-member Mizoram assembly, the Mizo National Front secured 26 seats with a vote share of 37.8% to emerge victorious in the 2018 polls. Congress secured five seats, while the BJP won one seat.

Elections in Mizoram are scheduled for November 7, along with Chhattisgarh. Madhya Pradesh goes to the polls on November 17, Rajasthan on November 25, and Telangana on November 30. Vote counting will take place on December 3 in all states. The Model Code of Conduct has come into force with the announcement of poll dates. These state elections are of significant importance as they precede the Lok Sabha elections scheduled for April-May next year.