Congress releases its manifesto for J&K: Statehood, rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits among top priorities

Srinagar, Sep 16: The Congress party today unveiled its much-anticipated manifesto for the people of Jammu and Kashmir with a promise of restoration of Statehood, Kashmiri Pandit rehabilitation, establishing of minority commission, special focus on tourism and providing jobs to youth.

Addressing, the press conference in Srinagar, senior All India Congress Committee spokesman Pawan Khera and J&K Congress chief Tariq Hameed Karra released the manifesto with a promise about restoration of Statehood. They, however, didn’t talk about Article 370 unlike National Conference that has promised to fight for the restoration of special status of J&K rolled back on Article August 5, 2019.

A copy of manifesto available with the NVI reads, promises to address minority concerns, promoting tourism, and enhancing employment opportunities, along with the rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits as advocated by the then-late Prime Minister of India, Manmohan Singh.
Central to the manifesto is the pledge to establish a Minority Commission, reflecting a commitment to support and protect minority rights. “The party also promises to advance tourism in the region and focus on the rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits, echoing promises made by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh,” it reads.
Also, the manifesto states that the Congress party’s pledge to work towards granting statehood to Jammu and Kashmir and to restore the historical practice of the Durbar Move, with Srinagar and Jammu serving as the Summer and Winter Capitals, respectively.

“The manifesto outlines a plan to provide unemployment allowances of up to Rs. 3,500 per month for qualified youth for one year. Additionally, the party commits to filling 1 lakh vacant government positions and issuing a Job Calendar within the first 30 days of the Assembly session.”

The Congress party also emphasizes its commitment to inclusive and accountable governance, aiming to counteract divisive forces and uphold the region's rich heritage and national unity.

The party expresses readiness to collaborate with like-minded entities to achieve these goals.
Moreover, regarding women, it states that under the Mahila Samman Scheme, they will provide Rs. 3,000 monthly transfers to women heads of households among economically weaker sections. Under Sakhi Shakti, Congress will provide interest-free loans of up to Rs. 5 lakh for every women’s Self Help Group. Also, regarding education, it states that to provide quality and affordable education for all students, they will establish state-of-the-art model schools at the block level with comprehensive facilities.

Meanwhile, the manifesto states that J&K will get first rights to the hydropower produced in the state. With this power, they will aim to guarantee 24 x 7 electricity across Jammu & Kashmir. They will provide free electricity up to 100 units per month for BPL households; along with this, Congress also promises to actively pursue the return of NHPC hydel projects to J&K.