Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and party leader Rahul Gandhi met with SC, ST, and OBC leaders of the INDIA bloc in New Delhi on March 22, 2024.
Rahul Gandhi announced that the Congress party would reserve 50% of government jobs for women if elected to power. He emphasized the need for women's empowerment and their significant role in shaping India's destiny. Gandhi questioned the current low representation of women in the workforce and government, despite their equal population and educational attainment.
The Congress party's "Aadhi Abaadi Poora Haq" initiative aims to fully utilize women's potential by ensuring their equal participation in government. Gandhi also advocated for the immediate implementation of women's reservation in Parliament and state assemblies.
The Congress's Nari Nyay program includes several guarantees for women, including a direct cash transfer of Rs 1 lakh per annum to one woman from each of India's poorest families. The party also plans to double the central government's contribution to the monthly pay of ASHA, anganwadi, and Mid-Day Meal workers.
Additionally, the Congress intends to appoint Adhikaar Maitris in every panchayat to provide legal education and assistance to women. The party will also establish "Savitribai Phule Hostels" to increase the number of working women's hostels in the country.