Maharashtra polls: MVA unveils manifesto with focus on women, farmers and more

The Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi MVA led by Congress unveiled its manifesto for the upcoming state elections with a bold set of promises aimed at transforming the state across several sectors Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge speaking at the launch event stressed the MVArsquos commitment to unity and welfare underscoring that its policies would not put the state treasury under undue stressThe MVArsquos manifesto titled Maharashtra Nama offers a comprehensive plan for the next term with a focus on women farmers and the youth Some of the major promises made in the manifesto includeRecruitment for 25 lakh positions in the state governmentMPSC Maharashtra Public Service Commission exam schedules to be announced with results declared in 45 daysMahatma Phule Jan Arogya Scheme to be extended to cover all diseases and accidentsDedicated ministry for micro small and medium enterprises MSMEsSmall shopkeepers and businesses to be charged domestic electricity ratesCastebased census to be conducted in MaharashtraEach newly announced corporation representing various social groups will immediately receive an initial fund of R100 croreImmediate measures to control prices of essential goodsMonthly waiver of up to 100 units on electricity bills for consumers using up to 300 unitsPrepaid electricity meter scheme will be reviewed considering consumer oppositionRestoration of old pension scheme for government employeesA lsquoState Urban Commissionrsquo to be established to address challenges of urbanisation provide strategic directionAn authority to address climate change threats implement necessary measures will be createdTimetables for local selfgovernment elections will be announcedAction plan to complete the pending Bharat Ratna Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Memorial at Chaityabhoomi Dadar within set deadlinesOrders issued by Mahayuti government regarding land allocations to private institutions and individuals will be reviewedLoans of up to R5 lakh at low interest rates to womenClean and conveniently located public restrooms for women will be set upRoadmap for implementing concept of safe cities for women children senior citizens and the disabledlsquoMaharashtra Millet Missionrsquo will be implemented to safeguard farmers and address climate challengesMilk prices will be set annually considering production costs for dairy farmersJobs for 125 lakh unemployed individuals over the next five yearsTo make Maharashtra addictionfree using art and sports therapy to achieve this goalA new education policy for Maharashtra with a gradual increase in budget for education to reach 6 per centPolicy for universal healthcare rights by strengthening public health servicesTo equip district hospitals with full facilities to ensure easy access to healthcare servicesTo gradually raise healthcare budget to 8 per cent as per national health policyTo ensure that disabled marginalised and LGBTQIA become a part of the mainstreamTo achieve 12 per cent growth rate in industry and a 15 per cent growth rate in the service sectorTo provide R1 crore in funding for innovative startupsTo establish exclusive industrial zones for women entrepreneursR1 crore grant to entrepreneurs from OBC SC ST and VJNT communitiesTo open special offices in Europe US the Gulf and East Asia to attract foreign investment in MaharashtraTo promote a lsquowork from hometownrsquo policyEnd contractbased employment in government servicesDevelop lsquoHappy Citiesrsquo across the state encompassing public participation parks playgrounds and clean public spaces and strive for a clean green andpollutionfree MaharashtraTo expand Maharashtrarsquos current forest cover from 17 per cent to 25 per cent with a focus on urban forest expansionThese promises are designed to address the statersquos economic social and environmental challenges while maintaining a focus on the welfare of the most vulnerable communities The MVA is positioning itself as a party that advocates for inclusive growth social justice and good governance