The Congress has promised to create two million new jobs in Uttar Pradesh in the next five years if elected to power in its 'vision document' released in 10 cities across the state on Friday.
Union law minister Salman Khurshid said it was a 'blueprint for development' based on the Congress’ performance in UPA-1 and UPA-2. He added: “Our performance in UPA is our guarantee that we deliver what we promise.”
It pledges a sub-quota for backward Muslims, and says it will 'expand' that to include the most backward castes among other backward classes.
Congress: Power for minorities
The Congress vision document that promises justice, rights and development to the people of Uttar Pradesh also focuses on minority empowerment and gives a major push to minority education and skill development through setting up new schools, recruitment of minority teachers, scholarships and vocational training. The vision document clearly carries the stamp — and also photographs — of Mr Rahul Gandhi and promises a “fair and just land acquisition law”.
For Purvanchal, Bundelkhand and the Terai region, the Congress vows to remove disparities and regional imbalances by setting up effective and empowered planning and development boards in these regions. Interestingly, Harit Pradesh, the long-standing demand of Rashtriya Lok Dal, does not find a mention in the document.
To tackle the issue of corruption, the Congress vision document promises to set up an anti-corruption cell in the chief minister’s office and will also bring the chief minister within the purview of the Lokayukta. The party says it will streamline the working of lower judiciary and launch a special drive to clear case pendency.
The Congress promises security for women and will set up at least one women police station in every district, besides making the police force more representative of the diversity of UP’s population. The document promises a Delhi-like Metro network for UP by 2020 and various schemes that focus on the health and food security sectors.
Another key plan is to provide electricity to the farmers in day time for agriculture and in the night for their homes. The party talks of reviving the traditional industries of the state by infusing new technology and providing the needed financial support.
“The document is an attempt by the Congress to convince the electorate of its intentions to bring about a change in the state,” Mr Khurshid said.