Secularism and Federalism: Secularism has been defined as a basic feature of the Constitution by the Supreme Court. This constitutional principle expresses the reality of the daily life and experience of the millions of Indians who live and work harmoniously together irrespective of caste, creed and religion. However, secularism has come under continuous assault by the forces represented by the BJP and its mentor, the RSS. There can be no compromise with those who wish to erode the secular basis of the State and the political system.
The Left parties will work for:
* Legislation for separation of religion and politics Prohibition on use of religious issues for electoral purposes by political parties.
* Reference of the Ayodhya dispute to the Supreme Court under Article 138(2) for a speedy judicial verdict.
* Protection of the basic right of religious belief and practicing one's religion.
* Implementation of the "Protection of Places of Worship Act" which prohibits change of the character of religious places of worship after 1947.
Jammu and Kashmir:
Maximum autonomy for the state of Jammu and Kashmir by maintaining Article 370 of the Constitution, regional autonomy to be provided to Jammu and Ladakh regions within this framework.
Education
Introduce compulsory primary education accompanied by free mid-day meals, provision of text books and other education materials.
* Free and universal education must be guaranteed for all children upto the age of 14 years. The 83rd Constitutional Amendment making education a basic right should be adopted for children upto the age of 14
* Syllabus and curriculum to inculcate secularism, progressive values, scientific temper and national unity.
* Support to mass literacy programmes.
Housing
* Housing to be accorded the status of a basic right; housing schemes for urban and rural poor to be stepped up.
Employment
* Guarantee right to work as a fundamental right.
* Ensure adequate credit for self-employment schemes for educated unemployed, artisans and handicapped persons.
Rights of Minorities
* Protection of the just rights of the minorities; implement provisions of the Constitution to prevent discrimination.
* Special schemes for promoting educational facilities for deprived minorities.
* Protection and encouragement of Urdu language.
Media and Culture
The State should provide facilities for development of secular and democratic culture. The diverse cultural traditions of the people must free expression and equal treatment by the State.
All national languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution should be equally encouraged and developed.
