Quota for transgenders, Rs 2,500 for women in Congress’s Delhi manifesto

A caste census in the national capital, Rs 2,500 for women, reservations for transgender individuals, 300 units of free electricity, and a monthly stipend for youth are among promises in the Congress manifesto for the Delhi polls.
The Congress on Tuesday released its manifesto for the upcoming Delhi Assembly election, announcing a series of promises, including reservations for transgenders in jobs and education, 300 units of free electricity, a monthly stipend of Rs 2,500 for women, and a caste census in the national capital.
Among other key promises are free health coverage up to Rs 25 lakh for all Delhi residents, a one-year apprenticeship with a Rs 8,500 stipend for unemployed youth, cooking gas at Rs 500 per cylinder, along with a free ration kit and a separate ministry for Purvanchalis.
Specifically addressing the LGBTQIA+ community, the Congress manifesto promised to review state laws and regulations to ensure inclusion and prevent discrimination against them, particularly in the provision of essential services. It also announced scholarships for the community.
Similar to AAP’s Mukhyamantri Mahila Samman Yojana and BJP’s Mahila Samridhi Yojana, Congress announced its Pyari Didi Yojana, under which it will provide Rs 2,500 per month to one woman in every poor household if the party comes to power.
Under the Mehangai Mukti Yojana, “we will provide cooking gas at Rs 500 per cylinder and a free ration kit that includes 5 kilos of rice, 2 kilos of sugar, 1 kilo of cooking oil, 6 kilos of dal, and 250 grams of tea,” the manifesto further added.
Congress also promised a fresh pension scheme of Rs 5,000 per month for senior citizens, widows, persons with disabilities, transgender persons, and destitute individuals.
For young people, the manifesto promised a one-year apprenticeship in the private or public sector with a stipend of Rs 8,500 per month for its duration. Additionally, it vowed to fill vacant posts in the Delhi government with a time-bound job calendar, as has been done in Telangana.
A Delhi Caste Survey to enumerate the various deprived classes will be announced in the first Cabinet meeting of the state government, the manifesto further promises. The party also pledged to increase the income limit for determining the creamy layer to Rs 12 lakh per year.
For Scheduled Castes, the manifesto promises to create “an atmosphere in which the values of the Constitution and the ideals of Babasaheb” are upheld, along with provisions for financial upliftment, including the allocation of 15 percent of government contracts to SCs. Additionally, the Congress promised to implement 15 key recommendations from the UPA’s Sachar Committee report for the empowerment of minorities.
To counter corruption and to ensure that the “Liquor Scam cannot recur”, the party said, it will pass a much stronger Lokpal Bill within six months of forming the government.
Delhi is set to vote on February 5 to elect its 70 members to the Assembly. The results will be announced on February 8.
Courtesy : India Today
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