CONGRESS MANIFESTO - A UTOPIAN DOCUMENT

By Ruma Dubey

When one heard the BIG Press Conference of UPA, one can out feeling that this election battle is that of ideology. At least that is what Rahul Gandhi seemed to reiterate over and over again. But ideology coming from a Govt which has probably surpassed all limits of corruption, somehow irks one; its like pulling one tight slap on our faces!

What is ideology? The Dictonary says that it is a system of ideas and ideals, especially one which forms the basis of economic or political theory and policy. Ideals? Can any politician today claim of being ideal?

This apart, surprisingly, Rahul came off looking pretty confident and answered almost all questions without stumbling or looking far away into the distance, while his mother seemed to look on with real pride on her face. Our respected Prime Minister also spoke but the Press wanted to direct all questions at Rahul or Sonia and nothing at the PM. Again a sign that as per the Press, Manmohan Singh is a part of history now. What was indeed good was that Rahul and Sonia answered almost all questions, even difficult ones, without walking off in a huff and having the gall to address a Press Conference. Yes, we are talking about Modi. He needs to hold a Press conference and show that he is accessible or else, he reeks of arrogance, something which the BJP needs to correct urgently. All the buildup which has been done for so many years now, for Modi, unless he holds a candid, all holds barred Press conference, will fall apart. He is a superb orator, so one wonders why he cannot handle a similar Press Conference.

Coming back to the Congress, it today released its manifesto for the 2014 election and this was indeed a scary document as it talks about more social measures. What about people like us, stuck in the middle class rut? We live day-to-day, fearing that one slip and we will come down the economic ladder, into the lower or poor class.

The manifesto goes on to remind us why we need a change. The big no-no is a quota for jobs in the private sector. An obvious vote catcher, this will prove to be extremely detrimental to the future of the country. Yes, those discriminated and struggling, need a helping hand but aren’t we already doing that in terms of education and jobs in PSUs? This extension of quota to private sector will in fact increase discrimination; by forcing quota, the divide and resentment will only grow. And where does merit comes into play in all? As such well educated, worthy and intelligent youth are struggling for a job; by bringing in quota here too, aren’t they increasing the frustration in the system? We constantly beat our chests and brag that India’s biggest strength is the huge population, which has the highest share of youth and by 2020, is set to become the world’s youngest country with 64% of its population in the working age group. But what happens if this strength is not harnessed, not channelized? When educated youth have no work, it is a very worrying situation.

Take a look at the broad highlights of the manifesto; it reads like a Miss World beauty pageant speech- predictable, with nothing new, mouthing all the expected promises. Oh it all sounds so good! Like some Utopian world….

• The Right to Shelter through an act of Parliament, which means all Indians will be entitled to a roof over their head.
• Right to Health and ensure everybody has access to quality healthcare. Health expenditure will be increased to 3% of GDP.
• Functional toilets will be ensured for every school and household.
• To introduce a three-year diploma course in public health. By 2020, targets to create 6o lakh new jobs in the health sector.
• Has women empowerment and child protection also on the agenda.
• To pass the Prevention of Communal and Targeted Violence Bill.
• To create a corpus to promote entrepreneurship and skill development of minorities.
• To provide reservations for minorities in educational institutes and government jobs.
• Provide state-of-the-art sporting facilities across India and establish a National Sports Education University. 
• All habitations with a population of 125 persons or above will be connected by roads.
• Drinking water will reach all rural areas. Panchayat funding will be increased and all land records digitised.
• Pension scheme for the disabled as well as programmes for the elderly and handicapped.
• Pledges $1 trillion investment in infrastructure over a decade
• All export taxes will be waived off
• Minimum tariff protection for manufacturing
• Better train services and uninterrupted electricity
• Commits to 8% growth within the next three years
• Targets fiscal deficit of 3% by fiscal 2017
• It will create 100 million jobs – has something known as a Job Agenda.
• Zero aversion to foreign investment. 
• To bring "Direct tax Code" and "Goods and Services Tax" Bills, which will increase aggregate revenue.
• Health insurance and pension cover for the entire labour class, with special focus on labour working in hazardous industries.
• All migrant labourers will be covered under the Aadhaar programme within one year. The Unorganised Workers' Social Security Act, 2008 will be implemented in letter and spirit.
• Implementation of the National Manufacturing Policy to enhance share of manufacturing in GDP to 25% by 2022.
• Speedy completion of the Industrial Corridor project.
• Focus on attracting new investments for job creation, within 100 days of government formation.
• An "E-biz Project" to provide single window platform for all investors.
• To connect all million-plus cities through High Speed Rail and coastal terminals and ports through adequate rail-road network.
• To ensure that Mayors and Municipal Chairpersons have fully functional powers so that they can operate as CEO's with executive powers and responsibilities.

As we said, it all sounds fantastic but track record or rather the life we are living today, proves otherwise.

The list of promises is endless.. for those wanting a detailed look…here is the link http://www.incmanifesto.in/

Looking forward to the manifesto of BJP now…

Elections are a great time to see that the politicians are indeed aware of the problems plaguing the country but once in power, they forget the people, kowtow only powerful people.