Dehradun sources have stated that a few days after the BJP had released its Manifesto for Uttarakhand, the ruling Congress had also released its election manifesto centered on the emotive issue of countering migration from the hill state. Hundreds of villages in the state have in recent times seen a rapid trend of out-migration especially by the youth due to lack of education, employment and economic opportunities.
It was stated that for women, the manifesto promises free pressure-cookers and gas stoves along with subsidies for purchasing gas cylinders. Children being brought up by all single women will further be given financial assistance, while women working on their own fields will be treated as working under NREGA and receive employment.
The party has also promised to address the issue of
unemployment in the state. One person in every household will receive
employment from the government by 2020, the manifesto claims. Rs 2500
unemployment allowance within 100 days of forming the government is also
promised in the manifesto.
The manifesto also promises free smart phones and data and calling services for one year to all educated and unemployed youth between 18-25 years. The Congress also intends to connect every village in the state with a motorable road and establish model villages in every district. In order to achieve 100 percent rural electrification, Electricity Production Centers in Ranikhet, Dehradun, Nainital and Haridwar will be developed, the vision document reads.
