The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has presented a comprehensive manifesto for the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections, laying out an expansive vision aimed at enhancing the livelihoods of citizens, particularly those at the grassroots level. By addressing key areas like rural development, agriculture, women’s empowerment, technology, and social welfare, the BJP has positioned itself as a champion of inclusive growth and modernization for Maharashtra.
Women-Centric Initiatives
One of the standout promises in the manifesto is a substantial financial boost for women across Maharashtra. The BJP has pledged an annual deposit of Rs 25,000 directly into the bank accounts of every woman, signaling its commitment to empowering women economically and promoting financial independence. This move is expected to create a more robust safety net and potentially stimulate small-scale investments among women-led households, thus fostering greater financial security.
Additionally, a revolving fund of Rs 1,000 crore will support women’s self-help groups, to create 50 lakh “lakhpati didis” — a term used to describe financially empowered women earning over one lakh rupees. This initiative reflects a broader objective of nurturing entrepreneurial spirit and enabling women to contribute significantly to the local and state economy.
Maharashtra’s Farmers’ Welfare and Agricultural Support
Agriculture remains central to Maharashtra’s economy, and the BJP’s manifesto reflects a concerted effort to address farmers’ challenges. The Kisan Samman Yojana, which currently provides Rs 12,000 annually to farmers, will increase to Rs 15,000. This enhanced support is intended to offer additional financial security and improve living standards for farmers, while also aiding them in addressing unforeseen challenges such as crop failures and climate-related adversities.
Furthermore, the manifesto promises a guaranteed price of Rs 6,000 per quintal for soybeans and State and Goods and Services Tax (GST) concessions on fertilizers. These measures aim to bolster the agricultural sector by increasing farmers’ profitability, reducing input costs, and enhancing the viability of soybean cultivation.
Education and Skill Development Initiatives
In a bold move to support education, the BJP plans to provide one lakh students across Maharashtra with a monthly stipend of Rs 10,000. This allowance seeks to alleviate the financial burden on students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, allowing them to focus on their studies and pursue their educational goals without distraction.
The manifesto also outlines plans for an innovative skill development framework. Through the proposed Maharathi and Atal Tinkering Labs, government schools will introduce robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) training programs. By promoting technical skills and hands-on experience, the BJP aims to prepare students for careers in the burgeoning fields of AI and robotics. Additionally, a state-wide skill census will align educational programs with industry needs, thereby fostering a workforce that meets the demands of a rapidly evolving economy.
Focus on Rural Development and Infrastructure
Infrastructure and rural development remain high on the BJP’s agenda. To improve connectivity and access to resources, the BJP has promised to build water roads in 45,000 villages across Maharashtra. This infrastructure project is expected to facilitate better communication and transport, enabling rural communities to access markets, healthcare, and education more easily.
For grassroots workers like Anganwadi and ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist) workers, a monthly salary of Rs 15,000 has been pledged. Recognizing the critical role these workers play in healthcare, child nutrition, and education, the BJP aims to provide them with adequate financial recognition, thus incentivizing and stabilizing rural health and welfare services.
Renewable Energy and Electricity Bill Reductions
Energy initiatives play a key role in BJP’s vision for Maharashtra. Under the Mahayuti alliance, farmers’ agricultural electricity pump bills have already been waived, and the BJP plans to reduce future electricity bills by 30%, with an emphasis on solar energy. By promoting renewable energy, the manifesto underscores a sustainable approach to energy consumption and aims to reduce dependence on conventional power sources.
Vision for a Trillion-Dollar Economy
One of the most ambitious economic goals outlined in the manifesto is the “Vision Maharashtra 2029,” which aspires to transform Maharashtra into a trillion-dollar economy. This vision, to be formally unveiled within 100 days if the BJP wins the elections, envisions Maharashtra as a major industrial and economic powerhouse. Key cities like Nagpur, Pune, and Nashik are expected to benefit from initiatives under “Make in Maharashtra,” leveraging artificial intelligence to drive industrial and technological advancements.
Economic Reforms and Tax Concessions
To support agriculture and industry, the BJP has proposed economic reforms and tax concessions. These include GST concessions on fertilizers to reduce the cost burden on farmers, and further support for small and medium enterprises, particularly those in manufacturing and technology sectors. Such reforms are intended to catalyze growth across Maharashtra’s varied economy by making resources more affordable and enabling businesses to thrive.
Social Welfare Measures
The BJP’s manifesto emphasizes social justice and welfare for vulnerable populations. Senior citizens stand to benefit significantly from a proposed monthly pension of Rs 2,100, amounting to approximately Rs 25,000 annually. The BJP has also committed to issuing Swami Vivekananda Youth Health Cards and annual health check-ups for both youth and the elderly, ensuring that basic healthcare remains accessible and affordable.
In addition, the BJP plans to set up Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Aspiration Centers in each district to encourage entrepreneurship, aiming to foster one million new entrepreneurs over the coming years. Special provisions in education have also been announced for students from backward classes (OBCs, SEBCs, ECs, EWS, and VJNT categories), including full rebates on education and examination fees. This ensures that all communities can access quality education and skill-building opportunities.
Protecting Heritage and Conservation Efforts
Conservation of Maharashtra’s historic forts and cultural heritage sites also finds a place in the manifesto, reflecting a commitment to preserving the state’s rich historical legacy. Technology-driven measures to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts are also proposed to protect both human and animal lives, especially in areas prone to such encounters.
Combating Forced Conversions
A firm stance has been taken against forced conversions, with the manifesto pledging to enact legislation aimed at preventing coercion and fraudulent conversions. This policy highlights BJP’s emphasis on preserving social harmony and religious freedom in Maharashtra.
Conclusion: A Vision for Inclusive and Progressive Development
The BJP’s 2024 manifesto is a comprehensive document that seeks to propel Maharashtra into a future marked by economic prosperity, social welfare, and technological innovation. With a mix of immediate financial support for women and farmers, infrastructure development, educational reforms, and a commitment to renewable energy, the manifesto addresses the needs of diverse groups across Maharashtra. The pledge to develop Maharashtra into a trillion-dollar economy, along with plans to bolster women’s empowerment, skill development, and rural infrastructure, underscores the BJP’s commitment to fostering inclusive growth.
If the promises outlined in this manifesto come to fruition, Maharashtra could see significant advancements in its economic standing, social infrastructure, and technological capacity, setting the stage for a prosperous and modernized state in the years to come.
