Maharashtra polls | MVA promises Rs 3,000 for women, jobs for youth, caste census

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday (November 10) released the manifesto of Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) for the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections, promising a slew of sops and welfare schemes primarily focusing on women, youth and farmers.

Titled Maharashtranama, the manifesto was released in the presence of top MVA leaders. Kharge highlighted the five core areas the MVA will work towards for the state. He said that the five pillars for the progress and development of Maharashtra are based on farming and rural development, industry and employment, urban development, environment, and public welfare.

Also read: Maharashtra polls | It’s raining sops as MVA, Mahayuti woo electorate in race for power

Empowering women

With the ruling Mahayuti alliance cashing in on the Ladki Bahin scheme ahead of the polls, the MVA has come out with a series of promises for the women.

The MVA announced a monthly aid of Rs 3,000 for all women in the state as part of the Mahalakshmi Scheme with an aim to improve their financial independence and well-being. It has also promised to introduce a free bus service across Maharashtra exclusively for women, making transportation more accessible and affordable. Six cooking gas cylinders will also be provided to women every year at Rs 500 each.

The alliance also promised to frame a ‘Nirbhay Maharashtra’ policy and enforcement of the Maharashtra Shakti Criminal Law, 2020, for the safety of women and children.

The MVA also assured to provide Rs 1 lakh each to girls on attaining the age of 18 years, besides promising free cervical cancer vaccines for girls aged 9 to 16. The manifesto also talks about extending two optional leaves for women employees during menstruation.

Job opportunities for youth

To woo youth voters, the MVA has promised recruitment for 2.5 lakh vacancies in state government jobs within 100 days of the formation of the government. It has also assured to create 1.25 million job opportunities in the state over five years.

They have also promised ₹4,000 stipend for the unemployed and a Youth Commission for youth welfare. This stipend is intended to support youth while they search for employment, offering a financial cushion as they pursue career opportunities.

In view of the controversy over postponement of civil services examinations in Maharashtra, the manifesto has promised that the Maharashtra Public Service Commission exam would be held with commitment to announce results within 45 days after the examination.

Also read: BJP manifesto for Maharashtra polls focuses on farmers, women, growth

Health insurance for all

Inspired by a similar initiative taken by former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, the MVA has promised to introduce a health insurance scheme worth Rs 25 lakh. This scheme will ensure that every citizen has access to quality healthcare services. Free medicines will also be provided under the scheme.

Addressing agrarian distress

For farmers in the state, apart from debt waiver up to Rs 3 lakh and Rs 50,000 incentive for regular loan repayment, a review will be conducted to improve the existing schemes and provide support to widows and children of families affected by farm suicides, the MVA promised.

The MVA has also promised to ensure farmers receive “fair prices for their crops”. The MVA manifesto says that a high-level committee will be established to prevent farmer suicides. The crop insurance scheme will be simplified to make it more accessible.

Caste census, quota reforms

One of the more politically charged promises in the manifesto is the commitment to conducting a caste census, which the MVA believes is essential to address issues of social justice.

Additionally, the alliance has vowed to remove the 50% cap on reservations, in line with Tamil Nadu’s policy, ensuring more equitable access to opportunities for marginalised communities.

Also read: Maharashtra polls | Here are five key issues that may shape electorate's choice

New industrial policy

The opposition alliance also promised a new industrial policy and a dedicated ministry for the Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

A welfare corporation for the organised and unorganised sanitation workers is also among the promises made in the MVA’s manifesto.

The MVA also assured to take immediate measures to control the prices of essential commodities, a monthly waiver of up to 100 units on electricity bills for consumers using up to 300 units and restoration of the Old Pension Scheme for government employees.

The manifesto also assured establishment of a separate department for the empowerment of self-help groups, formation of a dedicated ministry for child welfare.

No dearth of funds

Replying to questions on populist schemes announced by the MVA after flaying the ruling Mahayuti for the same, Kharge said, “Give us government and we will give you the budget.”

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He said that Rs 52,000 crore has been budgeted for the implementation of guarantees in Karnataka and the budget and expenditure details are available. “We did not lie. If you are determined to help the poor, you will find a way out,” he said.

NCP MP Supriya Sule and state Congress chief Nana Patole said enough funds will be available if the escalation of cost for infrastructure projects and corruption are stopped.

Kharge denied that some populist schemes, similar to the Mahayuti government's Ladki Bahin Yojana, are meant to influence voters. “It is about ideology to provide social security,” he said.