Rajasthan Elections 2023: CM Gehlot Unveils Congress Manifesto, Includes Promise of Caste Census

Jaipur- In a crucial development ahead of the Rajasthan Assembly elections in 2023, the Congress party unveiled its manifesto on Tuesday, encompassing a range of promises and commitments. The manifesto, released by Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge in Jaipur, reinforces the party's commitment to key issues such as youth employment, women's safety, and agricultural reforms, building on the seven guarantees made during the election campaign.

The event, attended by Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, State Congress In-charge Sukhwinder Singh Sthana, Chief Govind Dotasara, and other prominent leaders including Dr. CP Joshi, Sachin Pilot, Jairam Ramesh, and Mukta Wasnik, marked a significant moment in the electoral journey. Manifesto Committee Chairman Dr. CP Joshi emphasized the importance of the document, likening it to a "mediation" and highlighting its pivotal role in the party's vision for Mission 2030.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. CP Joshi acknowledged Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot's instrumental role in shaping the manifesto, crediting him for steering the party with a focus on the promises outlined in the document. The manifesto, crafted in line with the party's commitment to good governance and addressing the aspirations of the people, is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the state's trajectory over the next decade.

Manifesto highlights include:

1. Caste Census: The inclusion of a promise to conduct a caste census reflects the party's dedication to formulating policies based on equal social welfare for all sections of society.

2. OPS Law: The commitment to enacting a law for the continued continuation of the One Person Scale (OPS) showcases the party's focus on employee welfare and administrative efficiency.

3. Youth Employment: With a pledge to provide government jobs to 4 lakh youth and create employment opportunities for 10 lakh youth, the manifesto addresses the critical issue of unemployment.

4. MSP Law for Farmers: The promise to enact a specific law to establish a Minimum Support Price (MSP) based on the Swaminathan Committee's recommendations demonstrates the party's commitment to farmers' welfare.

5. Women's Safety: Placing women's safety at the center, the manifesto outlines measures such as CCTV installations in public places, the appointment of security guards in villages and urban wards, and steps to expedite investigations in sexual harassment cases.

The CM had previously announced 7 guarantees to the people . They are as follows:

1. Griha Lakshmi Yojana Guarantee:

   • An annual honorarium of ₹10,000 will be provided to the women head of the family under the Griha Lakshmi Yojana, reinforcing the party's commitment to women's empowerment and financial inclusion.

2. LPG Cylinders at Affordable Rates:

   • LPG cylinders will be made available to 1.05 crore families at the economical price of ₹500, alleviating the financial burden on households and promoting clean energy usage.

3. Gowdhan Guarantee:

   • A guarantee to purchase dung from cattle rearers for ₹2 per kg, emphasizing the significance of sustainable agricultural practices and providing economic support to those engaged in cattle rearing.

4. Old Pension Scheme for Government Employees:

   • The introduction of a law to reinstate the old pension scheme for government employees, addressing a key concern for the welfare of public servants.

5. Digital Access for Students:

   • Students enrolling in government colleges will be provided with a laptop or tablet, facilitating digital access and enhancing educational opportunities.

6. Natural Calamity Compensation and English Medium Education:

   • Families will be entitled to an insurance cover of up to ₹15 lakh to compensate for losses due to natural calamities, providing financial security during challenging times. Additionally, a focus on education in English medium aims to broaden educational horizons for students.

7. Chiranjeevi Health Insurance Enhancement:

   • The Chiranjeevi health insurance scheme will witness a significant enhancement, with the coverage increasing from ₹25 lakh to ₹50 lakh annually. This measure is designed to provide comprehensive health coverage to the citizens of Rajasthan.

As the state gears up for the upcoming elections, the Congress manifesto stands as a comprehensive blueprint, addressing the multifaceted needs and expectations of the electorate.

Rajasthan will go to the assembly election on November 25 and the counting of votes will be held on December 3. The BJP won 163 seats in the 2013 legislative assembly elections and formed the government in Rajasthan.

In the 2018 assembly elections, the Congress won 99 seats, while the BJP won 73 seats in the 200-member House. Gehlot eventually took the oath as CM with the support of BSP MLAs and Independents.