MVA Vows To Introduce ‘Right To Disconnect’ Policy In Maharashtra
Mumbai: The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), Maharashtra’s main opposition alliance, has announced a set of “five guarantees” aimed at economically disadvantaged women, farmers, and unemployed youth as part of its manifesto for the upcoming state assembly elections. The coalition, comprising Shiv Sena (UBT), NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), and the Congress, is seeking to challenge the ruling Mahayuti alliance led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
Key Highlights of MVA’s “Five Guarantees”:
- Monthly Aid for Women: Under the Mahalaxmi Scheme, economically disadvantaged women would receive Rs 3,000 per month. Additionally, all women in Maharashtra would benefit from free travel on state-operated buses.
- Support for Unemployed Youth: The MVA promises a monthly stipend of up to Rs 4,000 for unemployed youth across Maharashtra.
- Farmer Assistance: For the state’s agricultural sector, the MVA has proposed a loan waiver of up to Rs 3 lakh and an incentive of Rs 50,000 for farmers who consistently repay their loans under the Krishi Sammruddhi Yojana. The alliance also committed to fair pricing and minimum support price (MSP) policies to safeguard farmers’ incomes. A high-level committee to address farmer suicides and a simplified crop insurance scheme are also part of the plan.
- Health Coverage: The MVA has pledged health insurance coverage of up to Rs 25 lakh for those without existing insurance, along with free medicines for eligible individuals at government hospitals.
- Caste-Based Census: The manifesto includes a commitment to conduct a caste-based census in Maharashtra and to advocate for lifting the 50% cap on caste-based reservations to enhance social equity.
In addition to these promises, the MVA outlined plans to provide six gas cylinders per year at a subsidized rate of Rs 500 each.
Additional Manifesto Points
- Jobs and MSME Support: The MVA criticized the current government’s employment record and committed to initiating recruitment for 2.5 lakh state government posts. For Maharashtra’s MSME sector, the alliance promises an independent ministry to support growth, alongside a new industry policy focused on women’s entrepreneurship.
The MVA’s announcement follows the release of the Mahayuti alliance’s manifesto by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Maharashtra’s 288 assembly seats will be contested in a single voting phase on November 20, with results expected on November 23. The MVA hopes to build on its performance from the recent Lok Sabha elections, where it won 30 out of 48 seats, outperforming the Mahayuti’s 17.
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