Former Chief Minister Babulal Marandi-led Jharkhand Vikas Morcha-Prajatantrik (JVM-P) on Wednesday promised to frame a special law for dealing with mob lynching cases — a problem that has plagued Jharkhand for several years and been a reason for hue and cry across the country. The assurance of a special law for dealing with mob lynching was among the several alluring promises that the party made in its manifesto, which was released on Wednesday in Ranchi.
Marandi released the six-page manifesto of his party at the JVM-P State headquarters and promised to rectify all the ‘wrongdoings’ of the incumbent Government. “Our primary objective will be to improve the law and order situation in the State in order to ensure unhindered development throughout Jharkhand,” he said.
Marandi has been a vocal critic of the incumbent Government’s stand against mob violence in the State and has raised concern over rising cases of mob-justice and hate crimes. As per figures with the State police, at least 39cases of mob lynching have been reported in Jharkhand so far. And at least 51people have been arrested in connection with four such cases.
The party, in its manifesto, promised to depute at least one woman police officer in each police station across Jharkhand in order to make police stations women-friendly. It also assured to strengthen the surrender policy for Left Wing Extremists in a bid to reduce extremism in the red corridor of Jharkhand and encourage rebels to join the mainstream.
Among the several promises that the party made to improve the education system in the State, it stressed the importance of giving due respect to teachers. It assured to solve the perennial issue of para teachers here within 90 days if the party is voted to power and relieve all Government teachers from responsibilities that were not directly related to academics. “We will try and set up an IIT in Jharkhand. Besides, we will provide coaching to students from economically weaker sections of the society,” Marandi said.
The JVM-P manifesto also promised to increase the daily wage of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) workers from Rs 171 to Rs 300. The manifesto also has a lot in store for rural voters. It promises to appoint at least two health workers in each Panchayat and set up hospitals in villages. According to the manifesto, the party will also provide residence to every family of rural Jharkhand within 10 years and ration card to every rural household within 90 days if it is voted to power.
JVM-P’s manifesto also promises 50 per cent reservation for women in Government jobs and a police battalion of only sportspersons. In order to prevent migration and rehabilitate the families evicted during development works, the party promises to set up a rehabilitation commission within 60 days of forming a Government.