Srinagar, Sep 16: In a significant political move, just two days before the first phase of the much-anticipated assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, the Congress party unveiled its manifesto, laying out a detailed roadmap for the future governance of the region. These elections, starting on September 18 and spread across three phases, hold particular importance as they are the first since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, a constitutional decision that stripped the region of its special status and bifurcated the former state into two union territories.
The Congress manifesto places the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood at its core, responding to a demand that has gained traction across political and public spheres. The abrogation of Article 370 and the subsequent downgrading of Jammu and Kashmir into a union territory were met with widespread criticism and created political uncertainty. By committing to the restoration of statehood, the Congress aims to regain the trust of a population that has been grappling with political disempowerment and governance voids since 2019.
Described as a “people’s manifesto,” the Congress document is built on the principles of inclusivity, focusing on various aspects of governance that impact everyday life. A key promise is centered around the healthcare sector, which has often been cited as inadequate in Jammu and Kashmir. The manifesto pledges that every household will receive health insurance coverage up to ₹25 lakhs. To further improve healthcare accessibility, the Congress promises to establish super-speciality hospitals in every district and mobile clinics in each tehsil, with ambulances capable of providing medical services within 30 minutes of distress calls. These measures, aimed at both urban and rural populations, reflect an ambitious plan to overhaul the healthcare infrastructure of the region.
Agriculture, one of the primary economic activities in Jammu and Kashmir, has also been given significant attention in the manifesto. In response to the struggles faced by farmers—especially small, tenant, and landless farmers—the Congress has pledged an annual income support of ₹4,000 for each household involved in farming. Given the region’s reliance on agriculture for livelihoods, this measure could provide much-needed relief to thousands of families that have been impacted by climatic challenges, market instability, and a lack of access to modern farming technologies.
The manifesto also addresses the ongoing issue of unemployment, which has been a persistent challenge in Jammu and Kashmir. The Congress has promised to fill 1 lakh vacant government jobs, a move that could alleviate some of the economic strain felt by the youth of the region. The party’s vision for employment generation is part of a broader strategy to reduce poverty and boost economic growth, which has stagnated in recent years due to political instability and reduced investment.
In addition to economic and social reforms, the Congress has also addressed the need for supporting vulnerable communities such as lawyers and journalists, who often work under challenging conditions in Jammu and Kashmir. The manifesto outlines the party’s plan to introduce an insurance and pension policy for journalists, a community that has faced increasing risks in recent years. The establishment of press clubs in every district is also promised, ensuring that journalists have access to resources and networks that can help them carry out their work safely and effectively.
In terms of food security, Congress has proposed a substantial increase in ration allocations. The manifesto guarantees 11 kg of ration per family member, which is expected to address the nutritional needs of households struggling with poverty. This commitment underscores the party’s focus on tackling hunger and improving living standards across the region.
The Congress’s manifesto is an expansive document that seeks to address a wide spectrum of issues affecting Jammu and Kashmir, ranging from political representation and human rights to healthcare, employment, and food security. The upcoming elections will serve as a referendum on these promises, providing the people of Jammu and Kashmir with a chance to decide their political future after years of uncertainty.
