In anticipation of the Lok Sabha elections, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has vowed to enact a constitutional amendment to elevate the 50 percent cap on reservation for SCs, STs, and OBCs, alongside conducting a comprehensive social, economic, and caste census.
Kharge’s assurances form part of five additional guarantees, each focusing on ‘Shramik Nyay’ and ‘Hissedari Nyay’, as declared by the party on Saturday.
“The Congress Party assures a thorough social, economic, and caste census. This initiative aims to survey the population, socio-economic status of all castes and communities, their contribution to national wealth, and their representation in governance-related institutions,” stated Kharge, elucidating the guarantees under ‘Hissedari Nyay’.
He emphasized that this affirmative action policy will instigate a revolutionary transformation in the nation.
“Furthermore, the Congress pledges to pass a constitutional amendment to augment the 50 percent reservation cap for SCs, STs, and OBCs…possibly extending it to 60, 65 percent. Similar to Tamil Nadu’s model, we aspire to emulate this endeavor,” Kharge added.
Additionally, Kharge highlighted that the Congress is committed to revitalizing and enforcing by law the special component plan for SCs and STs, a measure already undertaken by several Congress-governed states.
Addressing the ‘Right to Jal-Jangal-Jameen’ (Legal right to water, forest, and land), Kharge underscored the party’s commitment to safeguarding tribal forest rights.
The Congress has pledged to resolve all pending claims under the Forest Rights Act within one year and to commence a transparent process for reviewing rejected claims within six months, Kharge affirmed.
Furthermore, the party intends to enhance the minimum support price (MSP) guarantee for minor forest produce under the banner of “Apni Dharti, Apna Raaj” (Our Land, Our Government). The Congress guarantees self-governance to tribal communities and the safeguarding of their cultural rights.
The party is steadfast in designating as Scheduled Areas all settlements where tribals constitute the predominant social group, the statement from the Congress concluded.
