Congress Releases Haryana Election Manifesto; Promises Free Healthcare, Monthly Allowance For Women

The Congress on Saturday released its manifesto for the upcoming Haryana assembly elections, making a slew of promises to the public. The 40-page document includes a range of commitments, including free healthcare up to Rs 25 lakh and a monthly allowance of Rs 2,000 for women. 

A major highlight of the manifesto is the promise to provide water from the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal. Additionally, the party pledged government jobs to the families of over 700 farmers who lost their lives during the farmers' protests. Congress also vowed to reinstate the old pension scheme, following the model of its government in Himachal Pradesh.

The manifesto outlines several welfare measures, such as increasing the monthly social security pension for the elderly, disabled and widows to Rs 6,000, and offering gas cylinders for Rs 500. Each household in the state would also receive 300 units of free electricity monthly. Health insurance coverage of Rs 25 lakh, similar to that offered in Rajasthan, was also promised.

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Farmers have been promised to benefit from a legal guarantee for the Minimum Support Price (MSP) and the implementation of a caste census. The manifesto also proposes raising the minimum income limit for the creamy layer of Other Backward Classes (OBC) from Rs 6 lakh to Rs 10 lakh.

In a move aimed at addressing homelessness, the party pledged to provide 100 square yards of land and Rs 3.5 lakh in cash assistance to each poor, homeless person to build a two-bedroom house. For the youth, Congress promised to fill two lakh vacant government posts and offer permanent jobs.

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Congress leader Ashok Gehlot highlighted the uniqueness of the manifesto, stating that it includes cashless health facilities and pension increases for journalists, as seen in Rajasthan. 

Bhupendra Hooda, a senior Congress leader, praised the extensive efforts behind the manifesto, acknowledging the contributions of all involved, including Manifesto Committee Chairperson Geeta Bhukkal. The launch event was attended by key figures such as Haryana Congress President Udaybhan and other senior leaders.