1. Congress will conduct a National Socio-Economic Caste Census to “enumerate castes and sub-castes and their socio-economic status”. Congress said it would strengthen the affirmative action agenda based on the data. The party said it will pass a constitutional amendment to increase the 50 per cent ceiling on reservation for SC, ST and OBC categories.

2. The Congress stated that it will respect and uphold the fundamental right to practice faith and the rights of religious minorities guaranteed by Articles 15, 16, 25, 26, 28, 29 and 30 of the Constitution. It also said that the rights of linguistic minorities guaranteed by Articles 15, 16, 29 and 30 of the Constitution will also be upheld.

3. As per the current rules, the pension for senior citizens, widows and disabled persons under the National Social Assistance Scheme is Rs 200-500 per month. Congress said it would increase this amount to Rs 1,000 per month.

4. Congress promised free universal health services at public health centers such as hospitals, clinics, primary health centres, mobile health units, pharmacies and health camps. Free healthcare will include examinations, diagnosis, treatment, surgery, medication, rehabilitation and palliative care.

5. The Parliamentary Manifesto promises a new Apprenticeship Bill to provide every diploma holder or university graduate under the age of 25 with a one-year apprenticeship in a private or public sector company. Apprentices will get Rs 1 lakh per annum.

6. The Congress party said it introduced the Right to Education (RTE) Act in 2009, which “transformed” education for children aged six to 14 years. The party said it will amend the RTE Act to upgrade education from Class I to Class XII. Education in public schools is compulsory and free.

7. The Congress party said it would launch a Mahalakshmi scheme to provide unconditional cash transfers of 1 lakh rupees to every poor Indian family every year. The poor would be identified as households at the bottom of the income pyramid.

8. Congress has promised to reserve one-third for women in state assemblies elected in the next round of assembly elections in 2025. The one-third reservation for women will also apply to the Lok Sabha to be elected in 2029.

9. The party said it will provide legal guarantees for the minimum support price (MSP) announced by the government every year as recommended by the Swaminathan Committee.

10. It promised reforms to industrial and labor laws to “restore the balance between labor and capital to achieve the twin goals of full employment and high productivity growth.”

11. Congress says it will reinstate diesel subsidies for offshore fishing communities. If death is presumed, a death certificate will be issued within three months.

12. The party said it would “save” democracy and free citizens “from fear.” “We commit to restoring freedom of speech and expression, including full freedom of the media,” the declaration reads.

13. The party said it would amend the Press Council of India Act 1978 to strengthen the self-regulatory system, protect press freedom, maintain editorial independence and prevent government interference.

14. The National Judicial Council (NJC) will be set up in consultation with the Chief Justices of the Supreme Court and High Courts, the Congress said. The composition of the NJC will be decided in consultation with the Supreme Court. The National Judicial Council will be responsible for the selection and appointment of judges to the High Court and Supreme Court. All vacancies in the High Court and Supreme Court will be filled within three years, it added.

15. The party said it would fill “nearly three million vacancies” in approved posts at all levels of the central government, teaching and non-teaching posts in central educational institutions, doctors, nurses, paramedics and other ancillary staff in central government medical institutions. Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) establishments and vacancies.

16. Congress said that as a “one-time relief measure,” the amount due on student education loans, including unpaid interest as of March 15, 2024, will be written off and banks will be reimbursed by the government.

17. Congress said it would create a diversity commission to measure, monitor and promote diversity in public and private employment and education. It said it would scrap application fees for government exams and government jobs.

18. Parliament promised to amend the 10th Schedule of the Constitution and provide that defection (leaving the original party of an elected MP or MP) will automatically disqualify him or her from membership in Parliament or Parliament.

19. The statement said that “Project Agni” would be abolished and the armed forces (Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard) were directed to resume normal recruitment to the full authorized strength.

20. Another key promise in the Congress manifesto is the restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.

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