The Aryavarth Express
Agency(New Delhi): Today, the Samajwadi Party unveiled its 20-page manifesto titled ‘Janta Ka Maang Patr, Humara Adhikar’ (The Public’s Demands – Our Rights), aiming to uplift the most vulnerable sections of society. The manifesto covers a broad spectrum of issues, including constitutional and social economic rights, social justice, farmers’ welfare, and youth employment, among others.
A notable feature of the manifesto is the promise of both ‘aata’ (flour) and data. The party plans to distribute high-quality wheat flour instead of grains and to establish flour mills near marketplaces to create jobs. Additionally, it proposes giving Rs 500 worth of data to each ration card-holding family to bridge the digital divide, although details about the frequency of this provision were not specified.
The document is enriched with quotes and images of prominent figures like Chaudhary Charan Singh, Mulayam Singh Yadav, Mahatma Gandhi, and Bhim Rao Ambedkar, emphasizing the commitment to preserving the constitution, democracy, and equal rights for all.
Key pledges include introducing a minimum support price (MSP) for milk and agricultural products using the M.S. Swaminathan formula and forming a Farmers’ Commission to oversee and alleviate farmers’ debts. The party also intends to extend employment guarantees to urban areas through a legislation akin to MNREGA and to tackle the recurring issue of examination paper leaks.
Healthcare expenditure is slated to rise to 3.5% of GDP, a significant increase aimed at improving health services nationwide. For economically disadvantaged women, the manifesto promises a monthly pension of Rs 3,000 and discusses reinstating the Old Pension Scheme for para-military forces and others. Additionally, it addresses the concerns of traders and weavers with plans to review the GST regime and introduce special programs for weavers.
The manifesto also explores the use of Artificial Intelligence in development, from enhancing smart village clusters to positioning the country at the forefront of AI advancements.
One of the manifesto’s critical commitments is conducting a caste census by 2025, which coincides with filling all vacant posts reserved for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and backward classes, reflecting the party’s focus on social justice and equity.
