National Conference (NC) vice-president Omar Abdullah rolled out his party’s comprehensive poll manifesto for the 2024 elections on Monday, emphasizing a strong commitment to restoring Jammu and Kashmir’s political and legal status and pledging significant welfare measures.
Addressing a press conference in Srinagar, Abdullah outlined the party’s key promises, including the fight for the restoration of J&K’s political and legal status. He also pledged 200 units of free electricity to residents if the NC came to power. “We are committed to ensuring the rights of the people of J&K and will remind the Supreme Court about the Government of India’s promise to restore statehood to J&K. Should there be any delay, we will approach the SC,” Abdullah stated.
The manifesto also outlines a comprehensive job creation strategy, including the Jammu and Kashmir Youth Employment Generation Act, which aims to generate sustainable employment opportunities. Abdullah promised to fill all vacancies in government departments within six months and ensure free job applications for all examinations.
Addressing the ongoing electricity and water crises, Abdullah promised 200 units of free electrici-ty, a one-time settlement for pending electricity bills, and free drinking water for every house-hold. He also pledged to strengthen the PDS, increase rice allocation, and review the distribution of kerosene and sugar.
In education, the NC aims to make higher education more accessible, establish new higher edu-cation institutions, and modernize school infrastructure. The party plans to introduce smart class-rooms, CCTV surveillance in schools, and ensure that local examinations are conducted by credible agencies.
For agriculture and horticulture, the manifesto includes measures to protect domestic apple farmers, promote saffron production, and exempt horticulture products from GST.
Additionally, the NC plans to expand and modernize Srinagar and Jammu cities, address urban congestion, and improve public transport and infrastructure.
Abdullah called on the people of J&K to support the NC, hoping for a chance to serve them for the next five years. With the elections set to begin in three phases from September 18 and vote counting scheduled for October 4, the National Conference is positioning itself as a strong con-tender with a focus on both political restoration and comprehensive development.
The first guarantee of the NC’s manifesto envisage the restoration of political and legal status of the Union Territory and said that the party would strive to restore Article 370-35A and statehood prior to August 5, 2019.
“It also mentioned that in the interim period, the party will endeavour to redraw the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019 and the Transaction of Business of the Government of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir Rules, 2019. The party has also said that in the first assembly session, they will bring a resolution against the Centre’s decision to strip the region of its state-hood and special status,” the manifesto said.
The second guarantee includes several promises, including the release of political prisoners, re-turn and rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits, simplified job verification process, ease of passport verification, and end to unjust terminations and unnecessary harassment to people on highways will be stopped.
The third guarantee will be a comprehensive job package for youth.
Speaking on it, Omar Abdullah said, “We all know the unemployment condition in J&K. After Au-gust 5, 2019, there was talk of reducing unemployment but it only increased. There was fraud in the recruitment process and the youths did not get the job…We are making comprehensive promises to the youths and going to address the unemployment issue.” The party has promised to give free electricity up to 200 units. Omar said, “We will also address the issue of water and electricity and will give electricity free upto 200 units.
Some will promise more but that’s not beneficial because they are not going to be in power in the future.”