By Rahil Nora Chopra
Seeking to woo the country’s youth, the Congress has promised the “right to employment” as well as Rs.1 lakh a year apprenticeship for youths after graduation as part of its poll promise for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, besides mulling stringent punishment to those responsible for paper leaks in examinations. Addressing a rally in Rajasthan’s Banswara as part of his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, Rahul Gandhi promised ‘five justices’ to youths, including filling government vacancies, permanent jobs, freedom from recruitment exam paper leaks, social security for gig workers and a startup fund for youths below 40 years of age. While Rahul Gandhi promised a legal guarantee on minimum support price for crops to farmers and a ₹5,000 crore fund “Yuva Roshni” for startups. He said that the Congress promises to provide 30 lakh jobs to youths on priority basis if they come to power, calling it ‘Bharti Bharosa’. He assured of bringing out a yearly calendar, which would follow a certain time frame for filling up job vacancies. Congress manifesto is likely to feature a road map to revamp the Goods and services tax (GST) with simplified structures to benefit small business and may also promise amendment to cut federal agencies overarching powers. The party is promising a caste-based census in the country for filling up the government vacancies. The guarantee template, which has been used by the party in the recent Assembly elections, will be back with nyuntamaay 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. The party could also promise one-third reservation for women in government jobs. It may also promise scrapping of the controversial military recruitment scheme ‘Agnipath’
