Read Full Jaipur Congress draft declaration 56 points agenda for 2014 elections
Read Full Jaipur Congress Party 13page draft declaration 56 points agenda for 2014 elections
On the third and the final day of the Congress’ Chintan Shivir in Jaipur
Congress Party on Sunday came out with a 56-page draft declaration in which it stated that it would boldly and fearlessly take on political parties, which are elitist, parochial, sectarian, or exclusionary.
Read the complete 13 page 56 points Jaipur Declaration by Congress Party
JAIPUR DECLARATION
Preamble
Conscious of its historic responsibility as the Party that led the struggle for
freedom and formed successive governments in the first thirty years after
Independence as well as subsequently;
Recalling its seminal contributions to India’s unity, integrity, secular polity and
democratic federalism;
Acknowledging with humility and gratitude the trust reposed in the Party by the
people of this country;
Mindful of its special obligations to the poor and weaker sections of the people,
especially women, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes
and minorities;
Recognising that it is the Party which is the principal instrument of political
change and the preferred vehicle of political expression for millions of young men
and women who wish to contribute to the political life of the country;
Proud of its role as the Party that set the direction of the economy of the country,
especially at critical turning points in its history;
Aware of the challenges thrown up by undemocratic, divisive and exclusionary
political and social formations;
Resolving to confront the challenges with determination and remain the
authentic voice and representative of the vast majority of the people of the
country who occupy the middle ground;
Looking back on the eight years during which the Party has been at the head of
the Government at the Centre and the spearhead of an economic and social
transformation that is still underway;
And preparing for the electoral battles that lie ahead in 2013 and 2014,
the Indian National Congress, having conducted a unique deliberative exercise
over the last two days and holding a meeting of its highest executive body, the All
India Congress Committee, has adopted this day the following Declaration which
shall be called
THE JAIPUR DECLARATION
Political Challenges
1.
The Indian National Congress stands fully determined and confidently
prepared to face the political challenges ahead: governance amidst an
economic slowdown, launching the XII Five Year Plan, and political
mobilization for the various Vidhan Sabha elections in 2013 and the Lok
Sabha elections of 2014. The Congress will go to the people on the basis of
the performance of the Congress-led UPA government, the promise of
stability and good governance, and a restatement of its core values and
ideology – secularism, nationalism, social justice, social cohesion, and
economic growth for all, especially the aam aadmi representing the poor
and the middle-classes.
2.
The Indian National Congress recognizes the fundamental need to give a
sense of security to every Indian – to him or her, to his or her family and
to his or her community. It vows to mobilize all the resources of the State
to maintain law and order and provide maximum possible security to all
Indians, against both external and internal threats.
3.
The Indian National Congress rejects the outdated ideologies and
obscurantist philosophies of opposition parties, and re-commits itself to
the principles of economic growth and social justice which have come to
define the inclusive growth model of the Congress-led UPA government.
It calls on all secular and progressive forces of the country to unite in this
ideological battle against those who polarize and divide our society.
4.
The Indian National Congress unequivocally re-commits itself to
representing India’s ‘middle-ground’, speaking for the vast majority of
the people of India, and fighting against fringe elements that foster
divisive and destructive ideologies. The Congress is the Party that is
committed to science, modern technology, inclusive innovation
and job-creating growth for the youth of India. The Indian National Congress
commits to strengthening its support base – identifying its natural
supporters, retaining the support of those sections that are with the
Congress, and winning over those sections that have drifted away.
5. The Congress rededicates itself to the cause of the poor and the
marginalized, especially dalits, adivasis, OBCs, minorities and women,
for which it has always stood. In addition, the Congress recognizes that
there is a new aspiration for advancement among the people, especially
among the youth and the middle-class. This itself is a result of the policies
and programmes of the Congress and its governments. The Congress
pledges to speak for both the young middle class India and the young
deprived India. The Party will be responsive to the new aspirations of the
youth and will offer credible policies and programmes for them,
especially job creating programmes.
6.
The Indian National Congress has stood firmly in favor of
empowerment of the weaker sections of society. It has shown its
unwavering commitment to their causes through its deeds such as the
enactment of reservations in educational institutions and in recruitment
and promotions in government jobs. The Congress will continue to work
relentlessly until it achieves the objective of empowerment of all, and will
boldly and fearlessly take on the political parties that are parochial,
sectarian, elitist or exclusionary.
7.
The Indian National Congress will continue to be at the forefront of
fighting corruption at all levels, especially corruption at the bureaucratic
and political levels. The Congress-led UPA Government has already got
the Lok Pal Bill passed in the Lok Sabha and has also undertaken a series
of measures to improve transparency and accountability in governance
and to fight corruption. These achievements need to be communicated
clearly and articulately by party workers to the people. The Party will also
pursue vigorously an agenda for electoral reform and judicial reform.
8.
The Indian National Congress reaffirms its political commitment to good
governance and better delivery of services to the people. In this regard, it
urges the government to ensure a timely and effective implementation of
the Aapka Paisa Aapke Haath initiative, which will ensure that benefits
reach the people directly, on time and at their doorstep, while eliminating
corruption and leakages.
9.
The Indian National Congress makes a firm political commitment to
addressing India’s human development, especially the challenges of
malnutrition, infant and maternal mortality, access to water, sanitation
and basic healthcare, and housing in both urban and rural India, which
continue to hold India back despite rapid economic growth. These are
issues not just for governments to handle but that are fundamental to the
Congress Party’s political action and political mobilization. While major
strides have been made in the last eight years, with big increases in
resources allocated to human development, more needs to be done. This
is not just a socio-economic challenge, it is a political challenge to which
the Congress Party reaffirms its commitment.
10.
The Indian National Congress reaffirms that political mobilization is
critical to ensuring peace in areas where militancy, insurgency
and left-wing extremism exist. It goes without saying that security operations
have to be strengthened and development activities for creating social
and physical infrastructure have to be taken up simultaneously. But, at
the same time, the Congress Party believes intensive political
mobilization is required to tackle the problems at their root. The Party
will take the lead in this regard. We also call for the vigorous
implementation of PESA, 1996 and the Forest Rights Act, 2006 to ensure
that adivasis are empowered and brought into the mainstream of
developmental activities. The widespread perception that the Forest laws
impede our ability to deal with left-wing extremism must be recognized
and addressed.
11.
Indian National Congress has always acknowledged the exemplary
contribution being made by our jawans and para-military forces to the
nation. The Party has always accorded the highest possible priority to the
welfare of our ex-servicemen. We call upon the Government to ensure
that the concerns of ex-servicemen and their families are fully addressed
and that ex-servicemen continue to be involved in nation building
activities.
12.
The Indian National Congress realizes the large regional disparities that
exist both at national and state levels and pledges to work for the
progress of the backward regions of the country. Until balanced and
inclusive development of all regions is ensured, India cannot make
progress. While migration is a natural phenomenon in a developing
country, we will work to ensure that there are adequate new investments
to create jobs and opportunities for self-employment for migrants and
that they have access to basic services and public infrastructure.
Emerging Socio-economic Challenges
13.
The Indian National Congress firmly believes that India stands at the
threshold of great social advancement and economic prosperity. We hold
an unwavering belief in the future of our country and to that end we have
not allowed, and will not allow, economic growth to be undermined by
vested interests. Our biggest socio-economic challenge is to ensure
inclusive growth with jobs to reduce inequality.
14.
The Indian National Congress is deeply mindful that a large number of
our brothers and sisters still live in poverty and deprivation without
access to basic services or tools of self-empowerment. We will continue to
work tirelessly for their socio-economic upliftment. We commit to
ensuring the elimination of hunger and malnutrition in India by the year
2020.
15.
The Indian National Congress also acknowledges the fact that there is a
rising educated and aspirational middle class, especially in urban areas.
We will continue to create new opportunities for them and a climate
conducive to their advancement.
16.
The Congress-led UPA government has enacted many progressive socio-economic
rights-based legislations in the last eight years, such as the
Right to Information Act, Right to Education Act, Mahatma Gandhi
NREGA, Forest Rights Act, etc. New legislations are also underway, such
as laws on compensation and resettlement and rehabilitation (R&R) in
land acquisition and food security. The Indian National Congress will
play an active role in making people aware of these legislations and how
to benefit from them. It will also make people aware how they can
become a force for improving implementation and monitoring of these
legislations.
17.
Indian National Congress pledges to continue untiringly its fight
against inflation, which affects the everyday life of the aam aadmi. The
path that we have chosen - increasing production of goods and services,
improving productivity, containing wasteful expenditure, and fiscal
prudence – will in the medium term moderate inflation and bring relief
to the common man.
18.
The Indian National Congress is concerned about the insufficient
allocations and utilization under the Tribal Sub Plan and Scheduled Caste
Special Component Plan in Central and States budgets. The Party calls
upon the Government to consider bringing a national legislation to assure
allocation of sufficient resources to these plans, as has been recently done
by the Congress government in Andhra Pradesh.
19.
The Indian National Congress acknowledges that the rights of the
minorities have not yet been fully secured. The Party urges the
Government to make all efforts to protect the rights of the minorities
including equality before law and the equal protection of laws. The
recommendations of the Sachar Committee are relevant and should serve
as a guide to the Government when it implements the Prime Minister’s 15
point programme and other minority related programmes.
20.
The Indian National Congress pledges to create a business environment
conducive to investment and entrepreneurship. We must position India
favourably to both domestic and foreign investors. The Party believes that
Government must take initiatives that will create more incomes for
farmers and create new opportunities for employment. One such
initiative was the decision to allow foreign investment, besides domestic
investment, in the retail sector. The Party also believes that Khadi, Micro,
Small and Medium enterprises should be given all possible
encouragement to generate more jobs. The revival and growth of the
handloom industry should receive the highest priority.
21.
The Indian National Congress believes that ensuring good governance,
especially at the grassroots, is the prerequisite to ensure that our socio-economic policies actually achieve their desired objectives.
Redressal of public grievances at the grassroots level within a specified period of time
is necessary, and the Citizens Right to Grievance Redress Bill, introduced
by the UPA government in Parliament, is a step in this direction. The
implementation of the recommendations of the Second Administrative
Reforms Commission set up by the UPA government will also be
completed within the next 12 months. We also commit to implementing
key e-governance initiatives.
22.
The Indian National Congress believes in further empowering local
governments - Panchayati Raj Institutions and Urban Local Bodies –
especially with regard to implementation of government schemes and
public services. Stakeholders should also be made responsible for the
implementation of all schemes.
23.
The Indian National Congress has always recognized the critical
importance of education, especially school education. The Party will urge
the Government to promote access to education for all, quality education,
quality instruction by qualified teachers, and expansion and upgradation
of the government school system. Party workers will be encouraged to
play a proactive role to ensure that these objectives are achieved.
24.
The Indian National Congress is a Party that has always acknowledged
the crucial role the youth of our nation play in its development. We are a
Party that has a strong and proactive youth-driven cadre. We are a
fortunate nation with a young workforce. The Indian National Congress
will take all steps to enable India reap this demographic dividend. We will
create 10 million jobs every year and impart skills training to youth to
take up these jobs.
25.
The Indian National Congress is especially mindful of the significance of
the agriculture sector. The prosperity of the Indian farmer is our foremost
concern. We will offer a fair and remunerative Minimum Support Price
(MSP) for critical farm products and support programmes to increase
productivity and profitability of agriculture, horticulture, livestock,
aquaculture and other farm-related sectors. We commit to increasing the
agricultural growth rate to over 4% and disseminating the fruits of
agricultural research. We will accelerate efforts to conserve water,
especially through recharging groundwater, and optimising our irrigation
potential. We remain deeply committed to the urgent enactment of a
strong National Food Security Act.
26.
The Indian National Congress has taken many measures - legislative and
administrative- to empower the common man in relation to the
Government. In continuation of the rights-based approach to legislation,
we have drafted and introduced a new law on land acquisition and
resettlement and rehabilitation (R&R). The new law will replace an
archaic law and put the compensation, rehabilitation and resettlement of
the affected parties as its primary concerns. We will take all possible steps
to ensure the timely enactment and implementation of this law as well as
updation of land records.
27.
The Indian National Congress is committed to the rapid development of
public infrastructure such as roads, highways, ports, railways and
electricity. We firmly believe that infrastructure is the backbone of a
strong nation and a strong economy. We will work towards the
identification and completion of all pending projects on time. We will
expedite the implementation of the industrial corridor projects and
ensure full road connectivity to all rural habitations.
28.
The Indian National Congress acknowledges that labour, including
contract labour and labour in the unorganized sector, is a crucial factor in
economic development. We will ensure the implementation of laws and
regulations concerning minimum wages, social security benefits
including pension, and fair labour practices in order to fully involve the
working class in economic development.
29.
The Indian National Congress has always been committed to making
technology and innovation important drivers of India’s inclusive growth
model. Successive Congress governments have had the vision to deploy
science and technology to improve the life of the aam aadmi. The
initiative of the Congress-led UPA government to take broadband
internet to every panchayat in India in order to connect and empower
every Indian is an important step in this direction. The Direct Benefits
Transfer (DBT) – Aapka Paisa, Aapke Haath – initiative is another
concrete example of technology being used to improve the day-to-day life
of the aam aadmi. The Congress commends the reports of the National
Knowledge Commission and will support initiatives to promote inclusive
innovation in the pursuit of socio-economic objectives.
Women’s Empowerment and Gender Justice
30.
The Indian National Congress is a Party that has gone beyond the
rhetoric and hyperbole, relied on by most parties, when it comes to the
empowerment of women. It is the only Party that has a long track record
of enacting laws for the welfare of women. It is the Party that has been led
by many women presidents and the only Party that elected a woman
Prime Minister, a lady of iron will who led the nation in some of its most
difficult times. It is to her memory that we rededicate our commitment
towards ensuring equality for women and their empowerment.
31.
The Indian National Congress, acknowledging that our sisters and
mothers have suffered several historical disadvantages, is ever mindful of
a pressing need to take far reaching measures to correct these injustices.
We held a Mahila Sashaktikaran Adhiveshan in 2002 with the sole
objective of preparing a comprehensive agenda for the empowerment of
women; that agenda was embodied in the Declaration adopted at the end
of the event. Today, we pledge to ensure the rapid and complete
realisation of the goals stated in that Declaration.
32.
The Indian National Congress, mindful of and saddened by the atrocities
that have recently rocked our collective conscience, acknowledges the
plight of women in matters concerning their safety and security. We
pledge to ensure that all measures are taken to make women safe and
protected. We will expedite such measures as the creation of helplines
with a standard number ‘181’ in all major towns and cities for prompt
grievance redressal for women, exclusive transport facilities, and gender
sensitivity classes for police men and women particularly in registering
and investigating complaints made by women.
33.
The Indian National Congress has always placed a high premium on the
education of girls. Special scholarships that have been provided for girl
children will be stepped up.
34.
The Indian National Congress, aware of the development perils that
women face, will, along the lines of the Special Component Plan (SCP)
and Tribal Sub Plan (TSP), urge the governments to earmark 30% of all
funds flowing into Panchayats and Nagarpalikas for the development of
women and children and focus on the special needs of female agricultural
labour and women cultivators.
35.
The Indian National Congress, taking cognizance of the need for stronger
legal protection and equality for women, has enacted several progressive
laws. We remain committed to the cause of reservation of one-third of the
seats for women in the Lok Sabha and the Vidhan Sabhas and to the
enactment of laws broadening the definition of sexual atrocities,
providing for speedier justice, and containing enhanced punishment for
aggravated sexual assault.
36.
The Indian National Congress, true to its long history, will take measures
to enable increased participation of women at all levels within the
government, including through reservations. A prescribed percentage of
the total police officers, inspectors, sub-inspectors and constables at
every police station in the country must be women and, eventually, the
proportion shall be not less than 30%.
37.
The Indian National Congress shall continue to build the capacity of
women Self Help Groups (SHGs). Smt. Indira Gandhi had established
NABARD 30 years ago to stimulate agriculture and rural development.
The Congress believes that now is the time to establish a dedicated
National Bank for Women to provide financial services to women in
general and women SHGs in particular.
38.
The Indian National Congress will ensure that women who are
particularly vulnerable are provided a decent pension after the age of 60
years. Destitute, deserted and widowed women between 18-60 years of
age will also be given a decent pension.
39.
The Indian National Congress also pledges to mainstream gender issues
within the Congress. We will set up a women’s grievance redressal and
legal cell within the Party. We will ensure 30% reservation for women –
in line with the existing provision - at every level of the Party. We will
launch a political campaign at the national, state and district levels, to
generate awareness about women-related legislations, schemes,
programmes and entitlements.
India and the World
40.
The Indian National Congress is committed to the articulation and
implementation of a robust and dynamic foreign policy. We believe in a
policy that is predicated on the enduring principles of non-alignment as
enunciated by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, yet creatively adapted to meet
the needs of relationships between nations in a rapidly changing global
scenario.
41.
The Indian National Congress is of the firm belief that a peaceful, stable
and economically vibrant South Asia should lie at the heart of our foreign
policy. There is a need to re-position India’s leadership in South Asia. At
times, it may be necessary for India to take unilateral economic initiatives
in the region. At the same time, India’s neighbours and partners must
recognise our legitimate security interests and concerns. Any dialogue
must be based on accepted principles of civilised behavior and when
these principles are violated India should not hesitate to take credible
action. It is also imperative that concrete measures be taken to dismantle
the infrastructure of terror operating in the South Asian region and the
Government of India must continue to impress upon the governments of
the region on the need to work together for ensuring peace and harmony.
42.
The Indian National Congress is of the unwavering view that India has a
central role to play in the process of Asian economic integration. We must
advance India’s Look East Policy because it is an economic and strategic
imperative for the whole country and especially for the North-Eastern
States.
43.
The Indian National Congress firmly believes that terrorism is the biggest
threat facing the world today. We believe that fighting terrorism in
today’s world of global terror networks requires deep and sustained
cooperation between countries. A collaborative effort is required to
effectively cut off financial flows to terror outfits. The global fight against
terror can and will be won. The Congress Party will continue to work
tirelessly in this direction.
44.
The Indian National Congress takes great pride in the outstanding
achievements of the 25 million strong Indian diaspora, our true
ambassadors, across the world. Protecting Indians overseas from
exploitation or threats will remain a paramount concern of the Party.
45.
The Indian National Congress bears the proud distinction of being one of
the largest political parties of the world. We have an obligation to actively
pursue party-to-party relations and engagement with other political
parties across the globe that share a similar world-view, and we shall do
so.
46.
The Indian National Congress is proud that, in addition to its political
and economic role, India has an important cultural role to play as well.
We are committed to the furthering of a new kind of diplomacy, that is
‘Cultural Diplomacy’. We must showcase India’s plural society and
culture. To this end we believe that our Government should pursue the
establishment of Cultural Centres in other countries with renewed vigour.
47.
The Indian National Congress believes we must remain sensitive to the
changing global scenario. The end of the Cold War has meant the
emergence of a completely new world with multiple centres of power. It is
therefore important for India to consolidate its relations with traditional
partners, while forging meaningful ties with other countries of the world.
Each and every country is important to India and to its economic,
political and cultural interests.
48. T
he Indian National Congress believes that India’s role as a global power
comes with great responsibilities on the global stage. The Congress Party
believes that India has and must continue to be at the forefront of major
multilateral negotiations and continue to play a constructive role on the
issue of the reform of the United Nations, particularly the Security
Council, and reform of the international financial institutions. India must
be seen as the one that provides solutions that are acceptable to all
countries. It must continue to use its influence to create consensus while
ensuring that its national interests are fully protected.
Organisational Issues
49.
The Indian National Congress bears the unique and proud distinction of
being the largest and most inclusive political party of the country. To
continue this grand tradition, we will ensure adequate representation of
all sections of society in the Party. The leadership of BCCs and DCCs
should emerge from the elected members of panchayats and
nagarpalikas, with significant representation for Scheduled Castes,
Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, minorities and women.
50.
The Indian National Congress has begun in right earnest to re-position
and re-organise itself based on ideology and issues in preparation for the
forthcoming electoral challenges, especially the Lok Sabha elections in
2014. All the office bearers at different levels such as AICC, PCCs, DCCs
and BCCs, as well as in the frontal organisations, will be given specific
responsibilities to discharge. Cabinet Ministers belonging to the Party
will be given charge of specific States to monitor and ensure the
successful implementation of the schemes of the UPA government in
those States and to address the shortcomings immediately.
51.
The electoral strategy for the States which are ruled by the Congress Party
will be different from the strategy for the States that are ruled by
opposition parties. In States where it is in power, the Congress Party will
devise a clear plan of action to ensure the widest possible communication
of our policies and achievements. The PCCs and State Ministers will be
charged with the responsibility of ensuring the successful implementation
of our manifesto commitments. In States where it is not in power, the
Congress Party will draw up a list of current and locally relevant issues
and carry out aggressive demonstrations and agitations, from the
grassroots to the state level, on a consistent and regular basis. The
Congress Party will ensure that it presents a credible alternative to the
Party in power in such States.
52.
The Indian National Congress is keenly aware of its larger responsibility
to ensure the strengthening of the institutions of democracy. The
Congress Party will appoint Booth Level Assistants with the express
purpose of assisting the Election Commission of India in enrolling new
voters and preparing the electoral rolls.
53.
The Indian National Congress has prided itself on its ability to adapt to
changing situations. The Party needs to be in a better position to harness
new information technologies and use them to communicate effectively to
the people through the traditional and the social media. The social media
can give the Party useful feedback on how the people perceive the
government and what they expect from it. Regional and local media will
also be actively engaged. The Party will also deepen and widen the use of
IT in the organization by setting up IT cells right up to the block level.
54.
The Indian National Congress is, at the core of its heart, a Party of the
people. We will launch, at different levels, a mass contact programme to
share our achievements and gather feedback on the people’s aspirations
and priorities. We shall hold Party Conventions at geographically
important centres across the country inviting everyone to participate and
share their hopes and expectations with us.
55.
The Indian National Congress will push for closer integration between
the parent Party and its various frontal organisations. There must be a
robust and efficient system for monitoring and appraising performance of
the Party functionaries on a regular basis. It is of utmost importance that
when senior Party leaders recommend particular candidates they must
own responsibility in case of failure. Nepotism in the organization’s
structure is a cause of great concern and there is a need to arrest this
tendency firmly.
56.
The Indian National Congress must create a new organizational unit at
the panchayat level, as a link between the booth level unit and the block
level unit. Elected members of panchayats and nagarpalikas, particularly
women, dalits, adivasis, Other Backward Classes, and minorities, will be
nominated to various organizational positions at block and district levels.
A mechanism must be devised to ensure the absorption of outgoing office
bearers of frontal organizations in the parent organization. Winnability
alone should not be the benchmark for deciding nominees of the Party
during elections and a balance is required between loyalty and
winnability. All BCCs and DCCs must be constituted in a time- bound
manner. The number of terms for presidents of the PCC and DCC should
be restricted to two and the tenure of each term should be no more than
three years.
Reality views by sm –
Monday, January 21, 2013
Tags – Congress Party Jaipur 13 Page Declaration Text
5 comments:
Yeah... I bet this is all for show.
nice post sm
http://watch-live24.blogspot.com/
@DWei
thanks.
@MEcoy
thanks.