KOLKATA: The Trinamool Congress (TMC), under the leadership of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, unveiled its manifesto on Wednesday, outlining a series of promises to address key issues and concerns facing the nation. One of the central pledges of the TMC manifesto is the commitment to scrap the controversial Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC), should the party secure victory in the elections. Mamata Banerjee reiterated this promise during a recent election rally, accusing the BJP of transforming the country into a “detention camp.”
We are delighted to present our Manifesto for the Lok Sabha Elections, 2024!
With #DidirShopoth, we pledge to uplift every Indian with guaranteed employment, universal housing, free LPG cylinders, assured MSP for farmers, scholarships for SC, ST, OBC students and much more.… pic.twitter.com/aEvgw7inr4
— All India Trinamool Congress (@AITCofficial) April 17, 2024
No Implementation Of UCC And Pension Hike
Additionally, the manifesto declares that the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) will not be enforced nationwide. Furthermore, the TMC vows to increase the current old age pension for citizens aged 60 and above to Rs 1,000 per month, in a bid to provide greater financial security to elderly members of society.
Welfare Schemes And Economic Measures
The TMC manifesto also encompasses a range of welfare schemes and economic measures aimed at bolstering the well-being of citizens. These include doorstep delivery of ration, provision of 10 free cooking cylinders annually for below-poverty-line (BPL) families, and the establishment of a ‘Price Stabilisation Fund’ to mitigate fluctuations in essential commodity prices.
Educational And Employment Initiatives
Highlighting its commitment to education and employment generation, the TMC manifesto proposes initiatives such as providing 1-year apprenticeships with monthly stipends to graduates and diploma holders up to the age of 25, issuing Student Credit Cards worth up to ₹10 lakh for higher education pursuits, and tripling the number of scholarships for SCs, STs, and OBCs students in higher education institutions.
Agricultural Reforms And Social Welfare
Furthermore, the manifesto emphasizes agricultural reforms, promising to legally guarantee a Minimum Support Price (MSP) for farmers, as recommended by the Swaminathan Commission, ensuring a minimum of 50% higher than the average cost of production for all crops. Additionally, it pledges 100 days of guaranteed work with a minimum wage of ₹400 per day for all job card holders, and the provision of dignified housing for every poor family across the nation.
It may be recalled that the TMC walked out of the INDIA bloc in January over disagreements regarding seat-sharing with the Congress in West Bengal. However, Mamata Banerjee’s party later said that it will continue to be part of the INDIA bloc at the national level.
Key Highlights Of The TMC Manifesto:-
-All graduates and diploma holders up to 25 years will be provided 1-year apprenticeships with a monthly stipend.
-Student Credit Cards of up to Rs 10 Lakh will be provided to students pursuing higher education.
-The number of higher education scholarships for SCs, STs and OBCs students will be tripled.
-Current Old Age Pension for individuals aged 60 & above will be increased to Rs 1,000 per month ( Rs 12,000 annually)
-Cost of petrol, diesel and LPG cylinders will be capped to ensure affordability
-A ‘Price Stabilisation Fund’ will be established to manage fluctuations in prices.
-As per the Swaminathan Commission’s recommendations, MSP will be legally guaranteed for India’s farmers, set at a minimum of 50% higher than the average cost of production of all crops
-Every ration card holder will receive 5 kg of free ration per month
-Ration will be delivered free of cost to the doorstep of every beneficiary
-Every BPL family will receive 10 LPG cylinders free of cost per year, providing access to clean cooking fuel.
-100 days of guaranteed work will be provided to all job card holders and all workers will receive a minimum wage of Rs 400 per day.
-Every poor family across the nation will be assured dignified housing, ensuring safe and secure homes for everyone
