In interaction with civil society bodies, opposition parties vow to prioritise the vulnerable in their manifestos

NEW DELHI: Sounding a call for change, civil society organisations came together in the capital on Monday setting out 19 issues that political parties running for power in the Lok Sabha elections need to address.

Under the banner of ‘Reclaiming the Republic’, a public meeting in the capital saw an interface between the community that defines the capital’s poor and vulnerable with representatives of Communist Party of India, Rashtriya Janata Dal and Samajwadi Party. The gaps in the governance framework of the BJP-led ruling dispensation were highlighted with demonetisation cited as one of the examples.

From demanding extension of MNREGA to ensuring that every adult at least has 150 days of work a year at minimum wages, to universal access to food security and pension, the demand charter calls for extensive reforms.

As women and representatives from vulnerable communities like the disabled and homeless shared their concerns, D Raja from CPI, Manoj Jha from RJD and Ghanshyam Tiwari of the SP said their manifestos for the upcoming elections will reflect many of the demands. Congress was missing from the platform even though the party was to be represented by one of their MPs.

At the jan manch first hand accounts of what people are facing were shared. “Everyone talks about employment before elections but after they win they tell us educate your children. We have done that but after completing school or graduation our children are not getting jobs. This is driving frustrated youth to petty crimes. They steal mobiles, car batteries and become pick-pockets,” a middle aged woman who identified herself as Urmila said.

Responding to several testimonies about the lack of employment opportunities, noted economist Jayati Ghosh stated what was necessary was provision of universal basic services- free education, health, universal pensions and rations. She said that money for an employment guarantee program and for providing universal basic services can be raised by reforming the tax regime to introduce wealth tax, inheritance tax, gift tax and by doing away with some perverse subsidies.

SP leader Ghanshyam Tiwari said there was a need to identify the “opportunities” that are available and claimed his party will empower people with education and awareness.

Manoj Jha of the RJD stated that his party in its manifesto has committed itself to work towards each of the reforms cited by the civil society organisation. Raja said that this was the time to save the republic and that deep reforms are required to protect the country and safeguard democracy.

At the jan manch, representatives from National Campaign for People's Right to Information (NCPRI), National Alliance of People's Movements (NAPM), Right to Food Campaign (RTF), Campaign for Judicial Accountability and Reforms (CJAR) and Satark Nagrik Sangathan (SNS) were present.