We'll fill 22 lakh government vacancies: Rahul Gandhi

Congress president Rahul Gandhi has said there were 22 lakh vacancies in the government and if voted to power, his party will fill them in less than a year. He said devolution of funds from the Centre to the state governments for healthcare, education and other schemes will be linked to these posts.

"Today, there are 22 lakh job vacancies in government. We will have these vacancies filled by March 31, 2020. Devolution of funds from the Centre to each state government for healthcare, education etc., will be linked to these vacant positions being filled," Gandhi said in a tweet on Sunday.

After Lok Sabha elections 2019, the new government will assume office in May. Gandhi has been making a series of poll promises ahead of release of party's poll manifesto.

He had said on Saturday that India needs restoration of its water bodies and afforestation, and his party will employ lakhs of rural youth for the purpose, if voted to power.

General elections are scheduled to be held in seven phases from 11 April to 19 May 2019 to constitute the 17th Lok Sabha. The counting of votes will be conducted on 23 May, and on the same day the results will be declared.