Welfare – TMC Manifesto Focuses on Women, Jobs and Growth
Welfare – The Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Friday presented its manifesto for the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections, outlining a series of welfare-driven promises alongside plans to strengthen infrastructure, healthcare, and employment opportunities across the state.
The document, unveiled by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, highlights a continuation and expansion of existing social schemes, with particular attention given to women, youth, farmers, and economically weaker sections.
Increased Support for Women-Centric Schemes
A key feature of the manifesto is the proposed enhancement of the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme, which has been a central pillar of the state government’s outreach to women. Under the revised proposal, women from the general category are set to receive Rs 1,500 per month, while those belonging to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes will get Rs 1,700. This marks an increase of Rs 500 over the current assistance.
Banerjee emphasized that empowering women remains at the core of her administration’s approach. She noted that women voters form a significant portion of the electorate and have consistently supported the party’s initiatives over the years.
Doorstep Healthcare Expansion Planned
The manifesto also introduces the ‘Duare Chikitsa’ initiative, aimed at bringing healthcare services closer to residents. Under this plan, health camps will be organized annually in every block and town, ensuring access to medical services without the need for long travel.
According to Banerjee, the initiative is designed to make healthcare more accessible and efficient, especially for those in rural and semi-urban areas.
Financial Aid for Youth and Focus on Employment
Addressing concerns around unemployment, the TMC has pledged to continue financial assistance for job-seeking youth through the ‘Banglar Yuva-Sathi’ scheme. Eligible beneficiaries will receive Rs 1,500 per month as support while they look for employment opportunities.
The party’s roadmap also indicates efforts to generate jobs by boosting economic activity and encouraging investment in the state.
Agriculture and Rural Economy Get Major Push
Farmers and rural communities feature prominently in the manifesto. The party has proposed a special agriculture budget of Rs 30,000 crore to strengthen farming infrastructure and provide support to cultivators, including those without land ownership.
Banerjee described farmers as the backbone of the state’s economy and stressed the need to enhance agricultural productivity while improving rural livelihoods.
Housing, Water, and Education Commitments
The manifesto promises that every household will have access to a permanent home and safe drinking water. These commitments are part of a broader plan to improve basic living standards and infrastructure across West Bengal.
In the education sector, the ‘Banglar Shikshayatana’ initiative aims to upgrade government school infrastructure and enhance the quality of education to meet global standards. The focus will be on better facilities, modern resources, and improved learning environments.
Economic Vision and Industrial Growth
On the economic front, the TMC has outlined plans to position West Bengal as a key commercial hub in eastern India. The strategy includes developing advanced logistics networks, modern ports, and commercial infrastructure.
The manifesto also proposes the establishment of a global trade centre to attract domestic and international investment, with the goal of strengthening the state’s industrial base.
Welfare Measures for Senior Citizens and Administrative Changes
Senior citizens are included in the party’s welfare agenda, with assurances that existing pension schemes will continue uninterrupted. The government also plans to gradually extend coverage to all eligible elderly residents.
Additionally, the manifesto mentions administrative reforms, including the creation of seven new districts and expansion in the number of municipalities to improve governance and service delivery.
Election Timeline and Political Strategy
Banerjee stated that the ten commitments outlined in the manifesto would guide governance over the next five years, aiming to maintain the state’s development trajectory.
The focus on welfare schemes and targeted benefits reflects the party’s strategy to reinforce its support base, particularly among women and economically vulnerable groups, ahead of what is expected to be a closely contested election.
Polling for the 294-member West Bengal Assembly will take place in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with the counting of votes scheduled for May 4.