ASSEMBLY POLL 2024: BJP vows safe return of Kashmiri Pandits, 20% quota for Agniveers

In its manifesto released today for the upcoming J&K Assembly elections, the BJP has promised rehabilitation of various displaced communities living in Jammu such as Kashmiri Pandit migrants, PoJK displaced persons and West Pakistani refugees.

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The BJP manifesto, released by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, reads: “To ensure the safe return and rehabilitation of the Kashmiri Pandits, we will launch the Tika Lal Taploo Visthapit Samaj Punarvas Yojana. We will also expedite the rehabilitation of West Pakistan refugees, POJK refugees and internally neglected communities such as Valmiki and Gorkhas. We will ensure that the displaced persons of Jammu division get all due benefits, security and protection that the displaced persons from Kashmir are given”.

The party also promised to address the issue of illegal settlement of Rohingyas and Bangladesh in Jammu after the formation of the government. It also promised to provide ~18,000 per year to the senior most woman in every household in Jammu and Kashmir under the ‘Maa Samman Yojana’.

It also promised support for women SHGs and two free LPG cylinders every year to the Pradhan Mantri Ujjawala Yojana beneficiaries.

The manifesto assured that old age, widow and disability pension will be increased from ~1,000 to ~3,000, “guaranteeing a life of dignity for the vulnerable groups”. The party also promised 20 per cent quota to Agniveers in J&K government jobs and police recruitment.

“We will implement reforms for government employees which will ensure reservations in promotions for SCs and STs within government services, create a transfer policy for all employees, especially for SCs, and other employees in the Kashmir Valley,” the manifesto read.

Focusing on Hindu temples, the party has assured that it will undertake the reconstruction of Hindu temples and shrines under the Rishi Kashyapa Pilgrimage Rejuvenation Drive.

“We will restore 100 ruined temples and further develop existing temples, including Shankaracharya Temple (Jyeshteshwara Temple), Raghunath Temple and Marthanda Sun Temple, with the active participation of religious and spiritual organisations,” it read.

In its manifesto, the BJP has also promised to rename SKUAST University, Jammu, to Baba Jitto University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, and upgrade it to Central Agricultural University.

The party said it would take comprehensive steps for the development and uplift of border dwellers in J&K, with a focus on improving connectivity, livelihoods, resolving cross-border land ownership issues and promoting border tourism.

“We will invest in the modernisation of more than 23,000 government schools and colleges, ensuring they are equipped with the latest technology, online learning platforms, free Wi-Fi and resources,” the manifesto read.

Other assurances

• Old age, widow and disability pension to be increased from ~1,000 to ~3,000
• Renaming SKUAST University, Jammu, to Baba Jitto University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology
• Two free LPG cylinders every year to the Pradhan Mantri Ujjawala Yojana beneficiaries