Congress unveils manifesto for Ahmedabad civic polls, promises tax cuts, urban reforms

The Indian National Congress has released its election manifesto for the Amdavad Municipal Corporation (AMC) polls, outlining a series of proposals aimed at reducing taxes, improving public services and strengthening infrastructure in Ahmedabad.

The party has announced more than 15 key promises, stating that the measures would be implemented if it comes to power in the civic body.

> Property tax:

A major highlight of the manifesto is a proposed reduction in property tax, with the party pledging to bring down the rate from 18% to 5%. The move, it said, would ease the financial burden on households and allow residents to better manage other civic expenses.

> Health sector: 

The party has promised to strengthen Urban Health Centres across the city and provide a range of diagnostic tests free of cost. It has also proposed the establishment of additional ‘Tiranga Health Centres’ in each ward to improve access to basic healthcare services.

> Education sector:

Congress has pledged to develop hi-tech government schools capable of competing with private institutions, along with expanding corporation-run schools up to Class 12 across different boards, including GSEB and CBSE.

> Infrastructure and roads:

The manifesto promises the construction of durable roads designed to withstand monsoon damage. A ‘Janata Audit Committee’ has also been proposed to monitor road quality and curb corruption in public works.

> Employment and sports: 

The party has further committed to filling 11,687 long-pending vacancies in the municipal corporation through permanent recruitment. In the field of sports, it has proposed the development of a Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Sports Complex to promote athletic activities.

> Environment and housing:

A plan to clean the Sabarmati river and introduce incentives such as carbon credits for residential societies maintaining cleanliness. The manifesto also pledges to provide clean drinking water through tap connections and aims to place Ahmedabad among the top five Indian cities for air quality within a year.

The party has proposed a “home first” policy, ensuring rehabilitation before any demolition of informal settlements.

> Digital security: 

The manifesto also outlines a digital security initiative, proposing to make Ahmedabad the country’s first “firewall city” to protect citizens from cyber threats. Additionally, high-speed internet-enabled computers are to be installed in public libraries for student use.

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> Transport and traffic management:

On transport, the Congress has promised free travel for women and students on AMTS buses and a transition towards a fully air-conditioned bus fleet. Plans to address traffic congestion include constructing new flyovers based on surveys and widening roads with public consent.

> Protection of street vendors and small traders:

The party has also pledged to safeguard the rights of street vendors by issuing smart cards under the Street Vendors Act, 2014, following a comprehensive survey.

> Public hearing and administrative transparency: 

To improve governance, the manifesto proposes weekly “ward hearing” programmes aimed at resolving civic issues promptly and enhancing administrative transparency.