New Delhi: As the campaign for the Puducherry Assembly elections gathers pace, the Congress has drawn up a comprehensive welfare and governance roadmap with a special focus on jobs, social security and full statehood for the Union Territory.Congress MP and leader of opposition in Lok Sabha addressing an election rally in Lawspet. Rahul Gandhi “We are committed to granting full statehood to Puducherry,” the party chief said, reiterating the promise.He alleged that the current government of the Union Territory does not reflect the will of the people and is “imposed from Delhi”.

What did Congress announce?

Congress has announced a number of measures aimed at boosting employment and reducing financial stress on families. The party has promised monthly financial assistance of Rs 2,000 to unemployed youth and creation of 30,000 new jobs in both public and private sectors.Focusing on women’s welfare, the party has promised free bus travel for women in Puducherry. It has also proposed to relax the upper age limit for government jobs up to 40 years with the aim of increasing employment opportunities.In the healthcare sector, Congress has promised a comprehensive insurance cover of Rs 20 lakh for each family in the Union Territory.Along with welfare measures, the party has also emphasized on governance reforms. It has assured that local body elections will be held within six months of coming to power, and also reiterated its long-standing demand for full statehood for Puducherry.Hitting out at the BJP, Rahul Gandhi accused it of failing to fulfill its promise of granting statehood and alleged that the UT was being run by “remote control” bypassing the local leadership.He also made allegations of corruption, claiming that “30 percent commission is taken on all contracts” and that the government had become a “collection agent”.Urging voters to support the Congress and its alliance partners, Rahul Gandhi said the party aims to form a government that truly represents the voice of the people of Puducherry.Puducherry Assembly elections will be held for 30 seats in a single phase on April 9, with counting of votes taking place on May 4. The tenure of the current assembly is going to end on June 15.