Image Credit: X account @HemantSoren
INDIA Bloc Promises 10 Lakh Jobs, Health Insurance in Jharkhand Polls
The Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) has launched its manifesto for the upcoming Jharkhand assembly elections, making significant promises aimed at enhancing social welfare in the state.
Among the key promises, the INDIA bloc pledged 10 lakh jobs for youth and health insurance coverage of up to ₹15 lakh for low-income families.
Major Promises in INDIA Bloc’s ‘7 Guarantees’
The alliance introduced its ‘7 guarantees,’ which include measures to promote social justice by raising reservation quotas for Scheduled Tribes (STs) to 28%, Scheduled Castes (SCs) to 12%, and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) to 27%, marking an increase from previous levels. In addition, the manifesto proposes an increase in the free monthly ration for underprivileged households from 5 kg to 7 kg and commits to providing gas cylinders at ₹450.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge addressed the guarantees, defending their credibility against criticism, stating, “Whenever we talk about any guarantees, Prime Minister Narendra Modi immediately criticises it… Congress fulfills all its guarantees but Modi’s guarantees never get fulfilled.”
Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren added, “After this election, the coming government will move forward with the guarantees that we have launched today,” indicating a continued commitment to implementing the proposed measures if re-elected.
BJP’s Competing Manifesto Highlights UCC and Tribal Land Rights
On Sunday, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) also unveiled its election manifesto for Jharkhand, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah announcing the introduction of a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) while exempting the tribal community from its scope. Additionally, the BJP committed to reclaiming lands occupied by “infiltrators” and returning them to tribal communities.
The BJP’s manifesto also includes the ‘Gogo Didi scheme,’ which proposes a monthly financial aid of ₹2100 for women, free LPG cylinders on Diwali and Rakshabandhan, and cylinders at ₹500 throughout the year. Furthermore, Shah promised 5 lakh employment opportunities for the state’s youth.
The Jharkhand assembly elections are scheduled for November 13 and 20, with vote counting set for November 23, as both alliances present their promises to sway voters in the state.
