Introduction:

• India faces multiple crises: unemployment, social and cultural strife, ecological collapse, erosion of democratic rights.
• Recent incidents highlight the severity of the situation, including protests, natural disasters, conflicts, and suppression of democratic voices.
• Similar global crises are occurring, emphasizing the need for solutions.

Initiatives for Change:

• Vikalp Sangam, a national platform, brings together 85 movements for ecological food production, water management, communitybased energy, education, health, and more.
• The manifesto aims at the 2024 general election, calling for policy shifts to support alternative approaches.
• Vikalp Sangam has a decadelong history of assemblies, stories of positive change, and advocacy for policy changes.

Economic Focus:

• The manifesto addresses the unemployment crisis, emphasizing small manufacturing, crafts, value added agriculture, and extending rural employment guarantees to urban areas.
• Calls for reserving goods and services for handmade and small manufacturing to make alternative approaches viable.
• Examples on Vikalp Sangam’s website showcase success stories of rural revival and dignified livelihoods.

SocioPolitical Reforms:

• Advocates curbs on the black economy, reduction in income inequality, wealth and inheritance taxation, basic income, and pensions for all workers.
• Seeks decentralization of financial and legal powers, comprehensive accountability laws, and revival of independent institutions.
• Demands the repeal of laws like Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and The National Security Act.

Social Inclusion and Dialogue:

• Expresses concern about interfaith and interethnic conflicts, hate speech, and vulnerabilities of minorities.
• Calls for forums of dialogue, restoring coexistence, and prioritizing marginalized sections in public and private institutions.
• Seeks 6% of GDP for education, community health processes, and preventive healthcare, totaling 3% of GDP.

Environmental Focus:

• Urges a national land and water policy, communityled conservation, and collective rights to natural resources.
• Calls for organic farming by 2040, reduction in toxic products, and phasing out fossil fuels and nuclear power by 2030.
• Recommends a National Environment Commissioner with independent constitutional status.

Climate Crisis Priority:

• Stresses the need for greater allocation to help communities adapt to the impacts of the climate crisis.
• Urges a rollback of weakened environmental impact assessment and forest clearance processes.

Challenges and Historical Context:

• The manifesto presents a 21point charter backed by documented examples on Vikalp Sangam’s website.
• Past attempts in 2019 resulted in some parties incorporating recommendations, but implementation remains a challenge.
• Emphasizes the need for citizen awareness, proactivity, and assertiveness in influencing decisions affecting their lives.

Influence of Grassroots Movements:

• References examples like Mendha Lekha and Dalit women farmers showcasing direct and accountable democracy, economic selfreliance, and sociocultural equality.
• Encourages citizens to assert their voice and influence decisions, particularly emphasizing the role of the large youth population.

Conclusion:

• The Vikalp Sangam Manifesto offers a comprehensive roadmap for addressing India’s crises, emphasizing grassroots initiatives and policy level shifts.

Calls for citizen engagement and vigilance in ensuring the implementation of proposed changes for a just, equitable, and sustainable future.