Social justice - 50% cap on reservations
The manifesto of the party outlined plans to carry out a comprehensive socio-economic and caste census across the nation. Additionally, the party pledged to introduce a constitutional amendment to increase the current 50 per cent cap on reservations for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC).
Steps for gender equality - Job quota for women
The Congress will reserve one-half (50 per cent) of central government jobs for women starting in 2025. The party will also launch a Mahalakshmi scheme to provide Rs 1 lakh per year to every poor Indian family as an unconditional cash transfer. The poor will be identified among the families at the bottom of the income pyramid, according to the party manifesto. (PTI photo)
Law to recognize LGBTQIA+ civil union
Congress announced that following extensive consultations, they will introduce legislation to formally acknowledge civil unions among LGBTQIA+ couples. (ANI photo)
Party to address nearly 30 lakh vacancies
The opposition party pledged to address nearly 30 lakh vacancies across different levels within the central government. Additionally, they committed to instituting a 10 percent quota in employment and educational institutions for economically disadvantaged sections (EWS) across all castes and communities, without bias, if they assume power.
Furthermore, they outlined plans to adopt the Rajasthan model of providing cashless insurance of up to Rs 25 lakh for universal healthcare. (ANI photo)
MSP promised for farmers
Congress has announced its commitment to providing a legal assurance for the Minimum Support Prices (MSP) set by the government annually, aligning with the recommendations put forth by the Swaminathan Commission. (AFP photo)
Revising election regulations
The Congress party said that they will revise election regulations to merge the effectiveness of electronic voting machines (EVMs) with the transparency of traditional ballot papers. Under this plan, voters will cast their votes using EVMs, yet they will also have the option to physically hold and place the voting slip generated by the machine into the voter-verifiable paper audit trail (VVPAT) unit. The electronic vote count will subsequently be cross-referenced with the tally from the VVPAT slips. (ANI photo)
Replace GST laws
The Congress has pledged to prioritize swift economic expansion and the creation of wealth. The party has set the goal of doubling the GDP within the next decade. Furthermore, the Congress intends to replace the GST laws implemented by the BJP/NDA government with GST 2.0. Under this revamped system, the party has proposed adhering to the universally acknowledged principle that GST should entail a single, moderate rate (with limited exceptions) that does not impose undue hardship on the impoverished. (Reuters photo)
Promises right to apprenticeship
Congress said it guarantees a new 'right to apprenticeship act' to provide one-year apprenticeship to every diploma holder or graduate below age of 25. (PTI photo)
Promise to abolish Agnipath
Restoration of J&K's statehood
The Congress said it will "immediately restore full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir" if voted to power in the national polls. (ANI photo)