Monday, 23 December 2024
Monday, 23 December 2024
Union home minister Amit Shah unveiled in Mumbai the 25-point 'Sankalp Patra 2024', as per which the financial assistance component under the Mahayuti government's Ladki Bahin scheme for women will be increased from Rs 1,500 per month to Rs 2,100 and the government will enact a strict anti-conversion law in the state.
The opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) also released its manifesto, titled 'Maharashtranama', on Sunday promising free cervical cancer vaccines for girls aged 9 to 16 and and two optional leave days for women employees during menstruation. The MVA also announced a monthly waiver of up to 100 units on electricity bills for consumers using up to 300 units.
''It is about ideology to provide social security,'' Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said during the release of the manifesto. At a rally in Jalgaon
The Telegraph Online looks at the key features in both the manifestos.
For women:
BJP
An increase in financial assistance from Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,100 per beneficiary under the Ladki Bahin scheme
An industrial cluster for every 500 self-help groups, with a fund of Rs 1,000 crore, to create “50 lakh lakhpati didis” in Maharashtra by 2027.
Interest-free loans accessible under the MUDRA scheme to provide women entrepreneurs with special incentives
Special bus services for women in major cities to ensure safe and comfortable travel for female passengers.
Congress
Establishment of a separate department for the empowerment of self-help groups
Formation of a dedicated ministry for child welfare
Six cooking gas cylinders every year at Rs 500 each to women.
'Nirbhay Maharashtra' policy and enforcement of the Shakti law 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.
For Employment:
BJP
A monthly stipend of Rs 10,000 to 10 lakh students across Maharashtra
25 lakh jobs in the state
A placement scheme to offer opportunities to candidates who were rejected even after they cleared written tests in competitive exams.
Overseas Placement Cell to fetch jobs abroad for Maharashtra youth
Congress
Youth Commission for welfare of the youth
Rs 4,000 per month allowance for unemployed educated graduates and diploma holders
Recruitment for 2.5 lakh positions in the state government.
Farmers’ welfare:
BJP
Loan waiver to farmers besides an annual financial assistance of Rs 15,000 under the Kisan Samman scheme.
Farm tracks across 45,000 villages in Maharashtra.
Congress
Debt waiver up to Rs 3 lakh and Rs 50,000 incentive for regular loan repayment
Support to widows and children of families affected by cultivator suicides
Senior citizen and backward classes
BJP
Increase the old age pension from Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,100 per month.
Interest-free loans of up to Rs 15 lakh for the prosperity of entrepreneurs belonging to SC, ST and other backward classes
Congress
A caste-based census
Restoration of the Old Pension Scheme for government employees
Healthcare
BJP
Free medical treatment up to ₹5 lakhs to all under the Ayushman Bharat and Mahatma Phule Jan Arogya Yojana
Free check-ups and medication for lifestyle-related diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and obesity.
Congress
Free medicines in government hospitals.
The Mahatma Phule Jan Arogya Scheme to cover all diseases, including accidents
