Congress drafts manifesto with focus on jobs, income support for poor

Congress plans to reintroduce universal basic income in 2024 manifesto, focusing on employment, social justice, and economic reforms.

The universal basic income idea may have not worked for the Congress in the 2019 Lok Sabha election but the party will reintroduce the concept in its 2024 manifesto.

A copy of the draft manifesto was presented to party president Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday by P. Chidambaram, who heads the party’s Manifesto Committee. Other members of the panel who accompanied Mr. Chidambaram included Shashi Tharoor, K. Raju and Imran Pratapgarhi. 

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Mr. Kharge wrote, “Our Draft Manifesto based on “NYAY” for the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections is ready and was presented to me, today, by the Congress Manifesto Committee”.

The draft document will now be placed before the Congress Working Committee (CWC) for its final approval. 

The manifesto has a clear focus on employment and livelihood issues, anti-inflationary measures and social justice.

The guarantee template, which has been used by the party in the recent Assembly elections, will be back with nyuntam aay yojana (nyay) or universal basic income guarantee. 

The party proposes to give ₹72,000 annually or ₹6,000 every month to 20 per cent of the poorest households if they come to power at the Centre. The women of these poorest households will be entitled to the scheme.