Jammu, 22-09-2024: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge reiterated the party’s unwavering dedication to protecting the constitutional rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, vowing to focus on a progressive development agenda that includes both social justice and economic empowerment. Kharge emphasized the Congress’ seven guarantees for Jammu and Kashmir, which promise to shape a brighter future for the region. In a message shared on his X handle, he affirmed, “The Indian National Congress is committed to safeguarding the constitutional rights of Jammu and Kashmir’s people and delivering equitable growth for all.”
Central to Congress’ plan is the restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. Kharge stressed that this is the party’s top priority among its guarantees, signaling the party’s intent to revive the democratic processes and autonomy the region once enjoyed. The presentation also highlighted significant measures that focus on healthcare, economic security, and social protection for the people of the Union Territory.
As part of its healthcare guarantee, the Congress has pledged free medical treatment of up to Rs 25 lakh for every family, along with a promise to establish a super-specialty hospital in every district. This ambitious plan is aimed at ensuring that healthcare services are accessible to all sections of society, regardless of their socio-economic status.
Additionally, Congress has vowed to implement former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh’s comprehensive plan for the rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits, which seeks to ensure their safe return and reintegration into their homeland. Kharge also promised to secure constitution-based rights for the Other Backward Classes (OBC) community in Jammu and Kashmir, demonstrating the party’s commitment to addressing long-standing social inequities.
In terms of economic support, the Congress guarantees financial protection for women heads of households by providing Rs 3,000 per month, aiming to empower women financially and improve their quality of life. The party also proposed food security measures that would ensure 11 kg of grain for every family member, offering much-needed relief to those facing food insecurity.
Farmers, one of the key constituencies of Jammu and Kashmir, have been assured of crop insurance against natural calamities. To bolster the apple farming industry, the Congress has promised a minimum support price (MSP) of Rs 72 per kilogram for apples, which would provide a reliable safety net for apple growers and protect them from market fluctuations. Further, the party has proposed financial support of Rs 4,000 per year for landless, tenant, and land-owning farming households.
Unemployment has been a critical concern in Jammu and Kashmir, and to address this, the Congress has committed to providing an unemployment allowance of up to Rs 3,500 per month for qualified youths, ensuring that young people have financial support as they seek job opportunities. In addition, Kharge announced that the party would fill one lakh vacant government posts, with a promise to release a job calendar within 30 days, highlighting Congress’ intention to tackle the issue of unemployment head-on. Through these guarantees, the Congress seeks to bring about a transformative change in the region, rooted in justice, inclusivity, and empowerment for all sections of society.