Amit Shah Religious Conversion: Union Home Minister Amit Shah unveiled the ‘Sankalp Patra 2024’ (Pledge Document) in Mumbai ahead of the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections, announcing a series of significant promises focused on women, youth, farmers, and low-income families. Among the key pledges is the introduction of a stringent anti-conversion law to prevent forced religious conversions.
Anti-Conversion Law
Amit Shah announced that if the Mahayuti (Grand Alliance) government comes to power, it will establish a robust law against forced conversions. To structure this law, a committee will be formed that will consult all stakeholders to create provisions preventing religious conversions by coercion or deceit.
Increased Financial Support for Women through the “Laadki Behen Scheme”
The manifesto promises an increase in financial support for women under the “Laadki Behen Scheme,” with monthly assistance raised from ₹1,500 to ₹2,100. This aims to enhance women’s economic empowerment in Maharashtra.
Employment and Skill Development Initiatives
The BJP has pledged to create 2.5 million (25 lakh) job opportunities in the next term. Additionally, the manifesto promises a monthly stipend of ₹10,000 for 1 million (10 lakh) students, supporting educational growth. A comprehensive “Skill Census” is also planned, aiming to align youth skills with industry needs and provide targeted training. Maharashtra is set to be developed as a center for advanced robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) training, fostering high-tech skills.
“Akshay Anna Yojana” for Free Food Distribution
Through the Akshay Anna Yojana, low-income families will receive free food supplies every month via the Public Distribution System (PDS), ensuring food security for underprivileged and needy families across Maharashtra.
Relief Measures for Farmers
The BJP has proposed an SGST subsidy for farmers, providing relief on fertilizer purchases, along with a commitment to keep essential commodity prices stable to help farmers mitigate the effects of inflation.
Ambitious “Lakhpati Didi” Scheme
With a vision to create 5 million “Lakhpati Didis” (women earning over ₹100,000 annually) by 2027, the BJP plans to establish an industrial cluster of 500 self-help groups with an initial fund of ₹1,000 crore. This initiative aims to support rural women in achieving economic self-sufficiency through entrepreneurship.
Industrial and Scientific Development of Key Cities
If the Mahayuti comes to power, cities such as Nagpur, Pune, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Nashik, and Ahilyanagar will be developed as centers for aviation and aerospace manufacturing, paving the way for Maharashtra’s industrial and scientific advancement.
Under Amit Shah’s leadership, the BJP’s manifesto presents an ambitious roadmap with a strong emphasis on social welfare, job creation, education, and agricultural support, aiming to drive Maharashtra’s development and progress.
