National Desk, 5th April: The Congress Party today revealed its manifesto, outlining a spectrum of commitments aimed at fostering inclusivity and addressing the needs of marginalized communities.
A key highlight of the manifesto is the pledge to recognize civil unions between couples from the LGBTQIA+ community through legislation, following extensive consultations. “After wide consultation, Congress will bring a law to recognize civil unions between couples belonging to the LGBTQIA+ community,” stated Congress.
Moreover, the manifesto vows to safeguard the freedom of choice for minorities concerning dress, food, language, and personal laws. It pledges to collaborate with communities to reform personal laws, ensuring their participation and consent.
In a bid to improve the welfare of senior citizens and persons with disabilities, the Congress Party promises several initiatives. These include raising the central government’s contribution to pensions under the National Social Assistance Programme, facilitating easier access to legal services for seniors, reviewing and enforcing the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, and reinstating travel concessions in public transport for senior citizens.
Additionally, Congress pledges to expand constitutional provisions to prohibit discrimination based on disability, impairment, or sexual orientation, while recognizing Braille script and Sign Language as languages. The party proposes the establishment of a National Centre of Research and Excellence for Special Education and advocates for representation for persons with disabilities in local government bodies.
The manifesto underscores the strict enforcement of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, and the implementation of a scheme to establish Assisted Living and Care Centres for the disabled in public-private partnership across the nation.
Congress MP Rahul Gandhi emphasized the significance of the election, stating, “This election is about those who are trying to destroy the Constitution and democracy in the country versus those who are trying to protect the Constitution and democracy.” He stressed the importance of prioritizing the interests of the vast majority of people and ensuring fair competition among businesses, advocating for a fundamentally different approach to governance.
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