In a crucial move ahead of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, the Congress on Monday unveiled its manifesto, pledging to restore full statehood to the Union Territory if elected to power. Notably, the manifesto remains silent on the contentious issue of Article 370, which was abrogated by the central government in August 2019.
The Congress emphasized that restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir is a “sacred duty” and vowed to fight against what it called “divisive forces.” While the manifesto did not explicitly address the abrogation of Article 370, it promised to re-establish the Legislative Council, which was dissolved after the Article’s removal, and committed to conducting panchayat and urban body elections in line with the 73rd and 74th Constitutional amendments.
The party’s manifesto also focused on governance, pledging to offer inclusive and accountable leadership. One of the key promises was to reinstate the 149-year-old practice of moving top government offices between Srinagar and Jammu every six months, a system that was halted in recent years. In addition, the Congress committed to providing preference to Jammu and Kashmir’s domicile citizens in government jobs, filling 1 lakh vacant government posts, and issuing a job calendar within the first 30 days of coming to power.
Addressing concerns about corruption, the Congress promised to bring a white paper on the issue and establish Lokayukta within the first 100 days of governance. The manifesto also promised to empower Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) to ensure they deliver on the expectations of their constituents.
The Congress pledged not to evict poor people and farmers from lands they have been occupying continuously, and vowed to implement the Public Services Guarantee Act in full. It further assured that all rights would be conferred on displaced persons from West Pakistan who arrived in Jammu and Kashmir in 1947, 1965, and 1971, and promised to regularize the settlements of displaced persons and refugees.
For women, the Congress introduced the *Mahila Samman Scheme*, which promises Rs 3,000 per month for women heads of households in the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS). Additionally, the party committed to offering an unemployment allowance of up to Rs 3,500 per month for one year to qualified youth.
On the healthcare front, the Congress promised to provide Rs 25 lakh in health insurance coverage, including treatment, diagnostics, and medicines.
Highlighting the inclusive nature of the manifesto, the Congress stated, “Our manifesto reflects the collective voice of millions of people, not the ‘Mann ki Baat’ of one individual. We have gathered inputs from a wide array of stakeholders, experts, and grassroots activists to shape our vision for Jammu and Kashmir.”
As Jammu and Kashmir prepares for its elections, the Congress’ promises of statehood, employment, and social welfare initiatives aim to strike a chord with voters in a region still grappling with its political and economic future.
