Amit Shah Unveils BJP’s Promises for Jammu and Kashmir Elections
On September 7, Union Home Minister Amit Shah released the Bhartiya Janata Party’s (BJP) manifesto for the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections. The manifesto includes 25 promises focusing on women, youth, Kashmiri Pandits, restoring temples, and eliminating terrorism.
Key Promises for Women
The BJP has pledged to implement the ‘Maa Samman Yojana,’ which will provide Rs 18,000 per year to the senior-most woman in every household in Jammu and Kashmir. Additionally, the state government will assist Women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) with interest on bank loans.
Opportunities for Youth
The manifesto promises to create 5 lakh jobs through the Pandit Prem Nath Dogra Rozgar Yojana (PPNDRY). College students will receive Rs 3,000 yearly as travel allowance under the ‘Pragati Shiksha Yojana.’ The BJP also plans to distribute laptops and reimburse coaching fees up to Rs 10,000 for two years for students preparing for competitive exams like JKPSC and UPSC.
Support for Kashmiri Pandits
Amit Shah announced a detailed rehabilitation scheme for Kashmiri Pandits and Sikhs who were displaced due to terrorism. The scheme aims to return or compensate for their properties, with 6,000 people already nearing rehabilitation.
Farmers and Infrastructure
The BJP will provide an additional Rs 4,000 under the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, making the total Rs 10,000. Electricity tariffs for agricultural activities will be reduced by up to 50%. The party also plans to build 10,000 km of new rural roads and expedite metro services in Jammu and Srinagar.
Other Key Points
Amit Shah assured that Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, is a thing of the past and will not return. The BJP also promises a 20% quota for Agniveers in government jobs and police recruitment, adhering to the Jammu-Kashmir reservation policy.
Reactions
PDP General Secretary Mehboob Beg criticized the manifesto, calling it ‘another jumla’ and questioning the BJP’s previous promises. In contrast, BJP J-K chief Ravinder Raina and BJP leader Kavinder Gupta praised the manifesto, calling it a ‘people’s manifesto’ and a ‘Sankalpa Patra.’
Upcoming Elections
The Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections will be held in three phases on September 18, 25, and October 1. There are 90 assembly constituencies, with 7 seats reserved for SCs and 9 for STs. These are the first elections in the region since the abrogation of Article 370.
Doubts Revealed
Amit Shah -: Amit Shah is a senior leader in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and currently serves as the Union Home Minister of India. He is responsible for internal security and law and order in the country.
BJP -: BJP stands for Bharatiya Janata Party, which is one of the major political parties in India. It is currently the ruling party at the national level.
Jammu and Kashmir -: Jammu and Kashmir is a region in northern India. It has special significance due to its unique cultural heritage and political history.
manifesto -: A manifesto is a public declaration of policies and promises made by a political party before elections. It tells people what the party plans to do if they win.
Kashmiri Pandits -: Kashmiri Pandits are a group of people from the Kashmir Valley who had to leave their homes due to conflict and violence. They are an important community in Jammu and Kashmir.
PDP -: PDP stands for People’s Democratic Party, which is another political party in Jammu and Kashmir. They often have different views from the BJP.
infrastructure -: Infrastructure refers to basic physical systems like roads, bridges, and electricity that are needed for a place to function well.
reduced electricity tariffs -: Reduced electricity tariffs mean lowering the cost of electricity. This can help farmers and other people save money on their electricity bills.
rehabilitation -: Rehabilitation means helping people who have been displaced or affected by conflict to rebuild their lives and homes.
three phases -: Three phases mean that the elections will be held in three separate parts or stages, rather than all at once. This helps manage the process better.
