The Aryavarth Express
Agency (New Delhi): On International Women’s Day, the Congress party released its election manifesto with a host of promises aimed at empowering India’s 66 crore women. The highlight is the ‘Mahalakshmi’ scheme, an unconditional cash transfer of Rs. 1 lakh per year to every poor family, with the amount going directly to the eldest woman member’s bank account.
This move could provide a critical financial lifeline to the estimated 10 crore Indian women who have lost their jobs and livelihoods during the COVID-19 pandemic (Oxfam, 2021). It also seeks to enhance women’s bargaining power within households, where female labor force participation has plummeted from 42.7% in 2004-05 to just 25.1% in 2021 (PLFS).
To address the glaring gender gap in political representation, with women holding only 14.4% of Parliament seats and 9% of state assembly seats (Election Commission, 2022), Congress promises to pass the long-pending Women’s Reservation Bill mandating 33% reservation for women in legislatures. It also pledges 50% reservation for women in all central government jobs.
Acknowledging the disproportionate burden of unpaid care work on women, estimated at 10 times that of men (NSSO, 2019), the manifesto vows to expand creche facilities, maternity benefits and social security for all women workers, including those in the informal sector. It also promises equal wages and safe working conditions for women.
To tackle the rising tide of gender-based violence, with reported crimes against women surging by 46% in the last decade (NCRB, 2021), Congress pledges to establish fast-track courts, strengthen laws against sexual harassment and acid attacks, and set up one-stop crisis centers in every district. It also vows to end the practice of instant triple talaq.
Recognizing the critical role of women entrepreneurs in India’s economy, the party promises to earmark 50% of all MSME credit for women-owned businesses and establish a dedicated Women’s Bank. It also pledges to increase the share of women in the ownership and management of land, property and businesses.
On the health front, even as India accounts for 27% of the world’s cervical cancer deaths and 32% of maternal deaths (WHO, 2022), Congress promises to launch a National Mission on Women’s Health, with free cancer screening, maternal care and reproductive health services for all women through the public health system.
As Indian women continue to face entrenched barriers to their safety, dignity and economic empowerment, the Congress manifesto offers a comprehensive agenda for gender justice. However, translating these promises into reality will require not just budgetary allocations but a fundamental shift in societal attitudes and power structures.
