Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, a Congress lawmaker, said Wednesday that girls in Uttar Pradesh schools will get smartphones and female graduate students will get scooters as part of a six-point “woman’s manifesto” ahead of the state’s Assembly election in a few months.
Ms Gandhi Vadra, who is directing her party’s campaign in the election-bound state, gave out a list of measures and programmes that the Congress intends to implement if it wins next year’s election, and asked that all parties recognise “the truth that women have to live with exploitation.”
Ms Gandhi Vadra’s promises include three free LPG cylinders for women, which is a big gesture considering the country’s increasing gas cylinder costs, for which the BJP (in power in UP and at the centre) has been heavily chastised.
“I hope this women’s manifesto will put pressure on other political parties… to also speak about similar issues. We want to release a women-specific manifesto so… women have freedom of choice… I have seen that…women ka bahut shoshan hota hai but they are fighting for their rights,” she said.
Ms Gandhi Vadra also emphasised the Congress’ pledge to reserve 40% of its electoral tickets for women; “this is not only on paper,” she added, citing the late Indira Gandhi, India’s first female prime minister, as an example of the party’s commitment to women in politics.
“Our goal is to achieve true women’s empowerment on a local level. Women’s empowerment is frequently discussed in the run-up to elections, yet it is generally confined to the realm of words. We aim to empower women on the ground “According to the Congressman,
“Women are represented in parliament and legislative assemblies at a rate of 14 percent on average. That number needs to rise… we want women to hold 40% of all seats. This will boost their involvement in policymaking “She was agitated.
Ms Gandhi Vadra added that in addition to smartphones, scooters, and free gas cylinders, women elderly citizens and widows would receive a monthly pension of 1,000 rupees, and that every new-born girl would receive a fixed deposit in her name. A free internet connection will be provided to all female-headed households.
Ms Gandhi Vadra also brought up the matter of women’s safety, which is an important topic given the alarming number of violent crimes against women reported in Uttar Pradesh.
“We want women to make up 25% of the police force. At least one female officer and constable must be present in every chowki “She reminded reporters that many crimes go unreported because police are hesitant to file charges. She stated, “More women in the force will promote the cause of women.”
The Congress also guaranteed women a ten-thousand-dollar medical insurance plan “for any form of illness or ailment.”
In a few months, the UP will vote for a new government.
The 403-seat Assembly election is largely seen as a barometer of how the incumbent BJP would fare in the national election in 2024, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his party will seek a third term in power.
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