What NC’s manifesto says about jobs, business, agriculture, tourism, industries? Ziraat Times analyses

19 August 2024

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Srinagar, Aug 19: The National Conference (NC) has unveiled its 2024 election manifesto, highlighting a series of ambitious promises aimed at revitalizing the economy, creating job opportunities, and providing relief to farming communities in Jammu and Kashmir. Key proposals include substantial job creation, addressing water and electricity crises, and strengthening the agriculture and horticulture sectors. Ziraat Times here presents the key highlights of the manifesto:

Job creation and youth employment

The NC pledges to provide one lakh jobs to the youth within its term. The party plans to pass a “Jammu and Kashmir Youth Employment Generation Act” within the first three months of forming the government. This legislation will focus on sustainable employment opportunities for the region’s youth.

Government job vacancies: The manifesto promises to fill all existing government job vacancies within 180 days and to establish a policy ensuring transparency and efficiency in future job postings.

Startup incentives: The party will introduce incentive-linked jobs under the startup scheme to encourage entrepreneurship among the youth.

Relief from electricity and water shortages

NC plans to create jobs in the energy sector through government-facilitated mini hydropower and solar power projects.

Electricity: The party promises to provide 200 units of electricity free of charge, transfer hydropower projects to Jammu and Kashmir, and implement a one-time settlement for pending electricity bills.

Water supply: NC commits to providing free drinking water to every household and ensuring the proper utilization of funds under the Jal Jeevan Mission to enhance water access in remote areas.

Agriculture and horticulture sector support

Apple farmers protection: The NC promises to take all necessary steps to restrict the import of apples, increase the minimum assessment value of imported apples, and establish a minimum support price for domestic apple farmers.

Saffron production: A high-level committee will be formed to protect and promote saffron production and address the causes of its decline.

Horticulture GST exemption: Efforts will be made to exempt horticulture products from the GST regime, and fruit and food preservation parks will be established in each district.

Farmer support: The manifesto also promises interest subvention on loans taken by farmers for production purposes and guarantees against dispossession of legitimate land.

Tourism and industry development

NC promises to grant industry status to the tourism sector, develop new tourist destinations, and provide incentives for locals to develop hotel and tourism infrastructure.

Industrial growth: The manifesto outlines plans to establish industrial parks and special economic zones tailored to the unique environment and geography of Jammu and Kashmir.

Mining: The party pledges responsible mining of recently discovered lithium deposits and exploration of sapphire mining opportunities, ensuring that the benefits reach the people of Jammu and Kashmir.