Bihar polls: Opposition manifesto promises one government job per family, pause on Waqf Act

The Opposition Mahagathbandhan in Bihar on Tuesday released its manifesto, titled “Bihar Ka Tejashwi Pran”, for the upcoming Assembly elections in the state.

The alliance comprises the Rashtriya Janata Dal, the Congress, three Left parties, the Vikassheel Insaan Party and the Indian Inclusive Party.

In its manifesto, the alliance has promised to pass a law guaranteeing a government job to one member of each family within 20 days of forming the government.

Tejashwi Yadav, RJD leader and the Opposition's chief ministerial face, had announced the proposal earlier this month also.

Another key promise in the manifesto is to put the Waqf Amendment Act on hold.

A waqf is an endowment under Islamic law dedicated to a religious, educational or charitable cause. Each state has a waqf board led by a legal entity vested with the power to acquire, hold and transfer property.

The 2024 Waqf Amendment Bill proposed amendments to 44 sections of the 1995 Waqf Act, including allowing non-Muslims on waqf boards, restricting property donations and changing how waqf tribunals function. The bill was cleared by Parliament on April 4.

The Waqf Amendment Act has been challenged in the Supreme Court for allegedly discriminating against Muslims and interfering with property management. The Centre has defended the law as an attempt to prevent encroachments under the guise of waqf property.

The Mahagathbandhan manifesto released on Tuesday also promised to restore the Old Pension Scheme for government employees.

The Old Pension Scheme, which guarantees a fixed pension of half of an employee's last drawn salary, was replaced in 2004 by the New Pension Scheme, where payouts are linked to market returns and employees contribute part of their salaries.

The change has led to sustained protests from government employees in several states.

In addition to these, the manifesto lists 25 key commitments, including 200 units of free electricity per household and a monthly aid of Rs 2,500 for women.

The Assembly elections in Bihar will be held on November 6 and November 11. The counting of votes will take place on November 14.

The ruling National Democratic Alliance is expected to release its manifesto on Thursday, The Indian Express reported.

Source: Scroll
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