Jharkhand News: BJP’s Manifesto Released, Property Registration for Women at ₹1, Promise to Buy Paddy at ₹3100/Quintal

Ranchi, November 03, 2024: In the lead-up to the Jharkhand Assembly elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) released its manifesto, labeled as the “Sankalp Patra,” on Sunday. Presented by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the manifesto focuses on delivering key reforms and reintroducing previous popular schemes, aiming to secure the party’s voter base and address significant economic and social issues in the state.

BJP’s Promises for Jharkhand Women: Property Registration at ₹1

One of the most notable announcements in BJP’s manifesto is a policy to allow property registration in the names of women for just ₹1, applicable on properties valued up to ₹50 lakh. This initiative seeks to empower women by making property ownership more accessible and affordable, a policy that was previously implemented under former BJP-led governments but halted by the current administration.

Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized that the policy is intended to foster women’s economic independence and strengthen their position within households and communities. Under the BJP’s previous tenure, this policy had garnered widespread support, particularly in rural areas where women’s access to land and property is limited. The manifesto promises to reinstate this initiative, thereby rekindling a sense of empowerment and economic inclusion for women across Jharkhand.

Support for Farmers: Paddy Procurement at ₹3100/Quintal

In a major pledge to support the state’s agricultural sector, the BJP committed to purchasing paddy at ₹3100 per quintal. This proposed procurement price is aimed at boosting the incomes of Jharkhand’s farmers, who are primarily dependent on paddy as their main crop. Given the fluctuations in crop prices and the economic strain on farmers, this initiative has been introduced to secure better returns for local producers, helping stabilize their livelihoods and reduce debt dependency.

Alongside the paddy procurement plan, the manifesto outlines further agricultural benefits, including subsidies under the Krishak Su-Niti Yojana. Farmers owning up to five acres of land are promised financial aid at the rate of ₹5000 per acre, a move designed to support small-scale farmers in the state.

Social Welfare Programs: Gogo Didi Scheme and Affordable LPG Cylinders

In addition to policies targeting women and farmers, the BJP manifesto introduces a variety of social welfare programs aimed at improving the living conditions of Jharkhand residents. The Gogo Didi Yojana is a new initiative aimed at financially supporting women across the state. Under this scheme, each woman in Jharkhand is promised ₹2100 per month, along with an annual sum of ₹25,000. This financial aid is meant to assist women with daily household expenses and encourage economic participation.

To address the issue of rising fuel costs, the manifesto also promises an affordable LPG scheme. Through the Laxmi Johar Yojana, each family is guaranteed LPG cylinders at a capped rate of ₹500, with the added benefit of two free cylinders each year. This initiative seeks to alleviate the financial burden on households by ensuring access to affordable cooking fuel, making daily life more affordable for lower-income families.

Employment Opportunities and Government Job Creation

Addressing unemployment is another core focus in BJP’s manifesto. The party has proposed a “Sashakt Rozgar Yojana” under which 287,000 government job openings will be filled and an additional five lakh opportunities for self-employment will be created. This commitment is intended to combat the issue of job scarcity among Jharkhand’s youth, providing them with government positions and entrepreneurial prospects.

Additionally, by November 2025, the BJP pledges to fill 1,50,000 vacant government positions and publish an annual recruitment calendar. This structured recruitment approach aims to establish a transparent and accessible job market within the state, improving public access to employment opportunities and reducing long-standing recruitment delays.

Commitment to Law and Order and Anti-Corruption Policies

BJP’s manifesto promises a “zero tolerance” approach to corruption within Jharkhand’s administrative sectors. The manifesto outlines plans to establish a corruption inquiry commission, which will investigate cases of corruption and enforce stringent policies to prevent misuse of power across departments.

The party also expressed its commitment to eradicating Naxalism within the next two years. The proposed plan includes the deployment of specialized anti-Naxal forces and community-based programs to support regions vulnerable to Naxal influence. The party believes these efforts will reinforce safety and stability in rural areas, facilitating social and economic development.

Tribal Rights and Land Protection Policies

The manifesto pays special attention to protecting the rights and lands of tribal communities in Jharkhand. BJP’s Sankalp Patra includes strict measures to prevent illegal land encroachments by external entities, including a pledge to return lands illegally acquired by non-tribals. Furthermore, it addresses the issue of marriage between Bangladeshi migrants and tribal women by stating that the children from such unions will not be granted tribal status, thereby preserving tribal identity and heritage.

Under the PESA Act, BJP also promises to empower Panchayats, giving tribal communities greater control over local governance and resource management. The Act aims to safeguard tribal interests while promoting community participation in developmental decisions.

Reaction and Impact on Jharkhand Voters

The manifesto’s promises reflect BJP’s strategic approach to reclaiming its influence in Jharkhand, particularly by reintroducing policies and initiatives that had a proven track record under past BJP administrations. Reinstating the property registration for women at ₹1 and supporting the agricultural sector with higher paddy procurement prices are expected to resonate well with rural voters and women in the state.

Political analysts believe that BJP’s manifesto is designed to address specific needs that have been largely unmet by the current administration, creating a targeted appeal to different demographic groups. The Sankalp Patra positions BJP as a party committed to fostering development while respecting Jharkhand’s unique cultural and socio-economic landscape.