Context-

In the face of multiple crises gripping India, the quest for solutions to address issues such as unemployment, social unrest, ecological degradation, and erosion of democratic rights has intensified. The urgency is palpable as recent events, including protests by the unemployed, natural disasters like the sinking of Joshimath and the dam burst in Sikkim, and conflicts in regions like Manipur, underscore the deep-seated challenges. In response to these crises, a 'People's Manifesto for a Just, Equitable and Sustainable India' has emerged, representing a collective effort by 85 people's movements and civil society organizations under the banner of Vikalp Sangam.

Vikalp Sangam: Forging Alternatives

Vikalp Sangam, translating to 'Alternatives Confluence,' serves as a platform for diverse initiatives ranging from ecological food production to community-based energy production. Over the past decade, it has convened numerous assemblies, shared stories of positive change, and advocated for policy shifts. The manifesto, released on December 18, is a culmination of these efforts, offering a vision for India that prioritizes justice, equity, and sustainability.

Economic Resilience: A Call for Decentralization

Addressing the pressing issue of unemployment, especially among the youth, the manifesto calls for a shift towards small manufacturing, crafts, and value-added agricultural products. It advocates for extending the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act to urban areas and reserving goods and services produced through handmade and small manufacturing for these sectors. The manifesto emphasizes the importance of curbing the black economy, reducing income inequalities, imposing wealth and inheritance taxes on the rich, and providing basic income and pensions for all workers.

The Vikalp Sangam process has documented practical examples of these alternative economic approaches. Stories of rural revival leading to reduced outmigration and even reverse migration from cities to villages showcase the viability of these models. However, the manifesto contends that such initiatives will remain limited unless macroeconomic policies prioritize decentralized, community-led approaches over large industries controlled by corporations.

Strengthening Democracy: Devolution and Accountability

Recognizing the increasing authoritarian tendencies of the state, the manifesto calls for genuine devolution of financial and legal powers to village and urban assemblies. It advocates for the fuller implementation of panchayat laws, comprehensive legislation on the accountability of state agencies, and the revival of the independence of institutions such as the Election Commission and the media. Criticizing the crackdown on peaceful dissent, the manifesto urges the repeal of laws like the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and The National Security Act, which have been repeatedly misused.

Social Harmony:

Expressing concern about inter-faith and inter-ethnic conflicts, hate speech, and the vulnerabilities of minorities, the manifesto calls for forums of dialogue to restore coexistence. It emphasizes the need for prioritizing the most marginalized sections, including women, Dalits, Adivasis, religious and sexual minorities, and persons with disabilities. The manifesto proposes reserving 6% of GDP for education, based on mother tongue and culturally rooted learning.

Health and Well-being: Community-Centric Approaches

Highlighting the importance of community health processes based on multiple systems, the manifesto advocates for preventing ill health through adequate nutrition, safe water, and other determinants of a healthy life. It proposes allocating 3% of the GDP for these purposes.

Environmental Sustainability: A Call for Urgent Action

The manifesto underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to environmental issues, urging a national land and water policy that protects ecological functions, community-led conservation of wildlife and biodiversity, and collective rights to natural resources.

In response to the looming climate crisis, the manifesto urges greater priority for helping communities adapt to the impacts of erratic weather, extreme heat, and the drying up of water sources. It recommends a complete conversion of India's farming to organic, biologically diverse methods by 2040 and significant reductions in toxic products, plastics, and non-biodegradable materials. The manifesto calls for decentralized water harvesting managed by communities, decentralized renewable energy, and phasing out fossil fuels and nuclear power by 2030.

Policy Reforms: Strengthening Environmental Governance

To address environmental concerns, the manifesto calls for a rollback of the weakening of environmental impact assessment and forest clearance processes. It proposes the introduction of impact assessments for entire sectors, such as energy. A National Environment Commissioner, with an independent constitutional status akin to the Election Commissioner or the Comptroller and Auditor General, is recommended.

Empowering the Youth: A Special Focus

Recognizing the role of the youth, the manifesto includes a special section urging the enabling of their voices. It acknowledges the need for proactive citizen engagement, demanding that elected representatives not only incorporate crucial points in their manifestos but also implement them. The manifesto draws inspiration from examples of direct and accountable democracy, economic self-reliance, ecological responsibility, and socio-cultural equality observed in various communities across India.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the 'People's Manifesto for a Just, Equitable, and Sustainable India' is more than just an exercise in abstract, wishful thinking. It is a comprehensive 21-point charter backed by documented examples on Vikalp Sangam's website. While some recommendations from a similar attempt in 2019 found their way into party manifestos, the challenge lies in ensuring implementation.

As citizens of India, the manifesto calls for heightened vigilance and proactivity, urging people to demand accountability from elected representatives while asserting their own voice in decision-making processes. Drawing inspiration from communities that have asserted, "We elect the government in Delhi, but in our village, we are the government," the manifesto envisions a future where citizens actively shape the destiny of their communities and the nation. The journey towards a just, equitable, and sustainable India requires collective action, and the Vikalp Sangam Manifesto serves as a guiding light in this transformative endeavor.

Source- The Hindu