AIZAWL: In the run-up to the Mizoram Assembly elections slated for November 7, the Congress unveiled its manifesto promising a revamp of grassroots democracy in the Northeastern state.
Stressing on transparent governance, the 12-page manifesto, officially released on Tuesday evening, pledges to empower village councils and local bodies by allocating more responsibilities, power, and financial resources to them.
At the core of its proposals, the Congress has committed an ambitious stride towards healthcare. The party promises a health insurance coverage of Rs 15 lakh per family for cashless treatment at hospitals.
This insurance will cater to families that don’t have a member as a regular government employee. Alongside this, the party also vows to earmark Rs 5 crore annually for the assistance of patients undergoing treatments for terminal illnesses like cancer.
Apart from committing to reintroducing the old pension scheme, the party has also promised to provide LPG cylinders at a subsidised rate of Rs 750 for impoverished households.
A major infrastructure overhaul is also included in the manifesto wherein the Congress committed to improved roads, airports, and power lines.
The aim is clear – promoting the holistic economic development of Mizoram. For the agricultural and entrepreneurial sectors, the ‘Tang Puihna’ scheme is slated, under which a financial aid of Rs 2 lakh will be provided to bolster sustainable economic activities.
Moreover, recognizing the potential of Mizoram’s youth, the party has plans to roll out a ‘young Mizo entrepreneurs programme’, with dedicated startup funding provisions, targeting the creation of 1 lakh jobs.
Notably, Congress has taken a stand against societal pressures by announcing Meriam L Hrangchal as its candidate for the Lunglei South seat.
This move came despite the diktat of the Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP) students’ organization which opposes giving tickets to Mizo women married to non-Mizos. The Congress’s decision to defy the MZP hints at a broader message for inclusivity and against discrimination.
State Congress vice-president, Lal Thanzara, presented the manifesto and also confirmed Hrangchal’s candidature. As of October 16, Congress had revealed its candidates for 39 out of the 40 seats, leaving the Lunglei South seat pending, which has now been filled by Hrangchal.
