Cong Promises Farm Loan Waiver, Quota for Patidars in Manifesto

The quota being given to the SC, ST and OBC will not be touched, the party manifesto said.

Rahul Gandhi in Gujarat’s Somnath Temple.

(Photo Courtesy: INC/Twitter)

‘Special category’ quota for weaker communities with similar rights enjoyed by OBCs, farm loan waiver, setting up of ‘Indira canteens’ to provide nutritious food for labourers at Rs 10 are some of the highlights of Congress’ manifesto for Gujarat polls which was released on 4 December.

Interestingly, according to the Congress' electoral agreement with Hardik Patel-led Patidar Anamant Andolan Samiti (PAAS), the party has promised to award reservation to Patels by creating a special category and granting them all benefits of the OBC quota.

It announced that a special bill will be brought in the Assembly to provide quotas to those who are not presently entitled to any quota.

“Quota given to OBC, ST and SC will not be touched. Patidars to get quota under special category,” the manifesto said.

The party has promised filling of vacant government positions and cancellation of outsourcing of jobs as well as contract and fixed salary systems.

The Congress also promised setting up Economically Backward Classes Commission (EBCS) for educational and economic development of "deprived people among the upper castes".

The manifesto also commits to awarding ownership of LIG (Low Income Group) houses to women. It also promised an unemployment allowance for educated youth, slashing prices of both petrol and diesel by Rs 10 per litre.

It also announced a relief for journalists as it has promised to set up a media club and a provision that will enable journalists to get subsidised housing.

The Congress have also promised that farmer debts will be waived and better MSP for crops will be provided, along with 16 hours of free electricity every day. Among others, they have listed creating 25 lakh jobs, free education for girls from primary to higher education level, in their manifesto.

Stating that the BJP which has been in power for two decades in the state has “ruined opportunities” for youth, the manifesto announced an unemployment allowance of Rs 4,000 per month, for those who are educated but unemployed.

The manifesto also promises GST exemption for Small & Medium Enterprises (SME) Sector in Gujarat.

(With inputs from PTI.)

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