Congress MP from Sirsa and former Union Minister Kumari Selja
Congress MP raises concerns over sanitation, drinking water, sewer overflow, highways, railway projects and public healthcare; seeks time-bound action
Chandigarh | Pen of Democracy News Desk
Sirsa MP, former Union Minister, Congress National General Secretary and CWC member Kumari Selja sharply criticised the functioning of several government departments during the District Development, Coordination and Monitoring Committee (DISHA) meeting, accusing officials of failing to address long-pending civic issues despite repeated reviews.
During the meeting held at the Panchayat Bhawan, Selja questioned officials over poor sanitation, drinking water shortages, sewer overflow, faulty streetlights, stray cattle, stray dogs, deteriorating roads and delays in national highway and railway infrastructure projects. Displaying photographs of different parts of the city, she said the ground reality was far from the progress reflected in official records.
“Development cannot remain confined to files. People must see and experience its benefits on the ground,” she told the officials.
Taking strong exception to the Electricity Department’s handling of a complaint from Anandgarh village, Selja highlighted the case of a poor woman whose plot remains occupied by a transformer and electricity pole. She even offered to personally bear the relocation cost if financial constraints were the reason for the delay, while rebuking officials for forcing the family to make repeated visits.
The MP also expressed dissatisfaction over the city’s sanitation system, stating that the Swachh Bharat Mission had failed to produce visible results in many areas. She said issues related to garbage dumps and green belts continue to surface in every review meeting without any permanent solution. MLA Gokul Setia supported the concern, alleging that cleanliness drives are carried out only before VIP visits.
Ward No. 2 Councillor Chanchal Rani presented photographs showing persistent sewer overflow, claiming residents had been facing the problem for over a year despite repeated assurances from officials. Selja sought an immediate explanation from the concerned department.
The meeting also focused on the prolonged drinking water crisis in Bansal Colony and MITC Colony, where residents have reportedly struggled for the past three months due to malfunctioning tube wells and outdated motors. Selja directed officials to conduct a technical inspection of all affected tube wells and ensure a lasting solution.
Expressing displeasure over the absence of an officer from the Mechanical Wing of the Public Health Department, she ordered that the official be summoned immediately. She also raised concerns over water shortages in Kumharia, Darbi, Budhabhana, Chormar and Kheri villages and instructed the Deputy Commissioner to ensure tanker-based water supply until permanent arrangements are made.
Selja further criticised delays in the construction of the Railway Underbridge (RUB) on Old Court Road and the proposed Foot Overbridge, noting that projects scheduled for completion in 2025 remain unfinished. She asked senior Congress leader Surender Nehra to conduct a physical inspection of the railway projects and submit a report.
The MP also questioned the delay in installing tube wells sanctioned under the MPLADS scheme in Wards 10 and 12 despite funds being released nearly one-and-a-half years ago. She warned that if the projects could not be executed, the sanctioned funds should be returned.
Reviewing healthcare services, Selja sought details about ambulance availability at the Civil Hospital. Officials informed the meeting that out of 32 ambulances, three have been condemned while 10 are awaiting repairs, prompting concern over emergency medical services.
The meeting was attended by MLAs Gokul Setia and Shishpal Keharwala, Deputy Commissioner Shantanu Sharma, Superintendent of Police Deepak Saharan, ADC Arpit Singhal, Municipal Commissioner Surender Beniwal, senior Congress leaders and officials from various government departments.
Congress leader Selja says students’ united struggle has reinforced accountability in the education system and calls for urgent reforms
Sirsa MP, former Union Minister, AICC General Secretary and Congress Working Committee (CWC) member Kumari Selja has described the resignation of the Education Minister as a significant victory for the country’s youth, students and democratic values.
Reacting to the development, Selja said the resignation was not merely the exit of a minister but a reflection of the power of democratic movements led by students demanding transparency, accountability and justice in the education system.
“The resignation proves that the voice of the youth cannot be suppressed. When students peacefully and democratically fight for their future and demand fairness in the education system, truth ultimately prevails,” she said.
Congratulating the students, youth and their families who participated in the movement, Selja said the outcome belonged to every young person who stood united in defence of their rights.
“This is your victory. It is also a victory for Indian democracy. The youth of this country have sent a strong message that accountability in the education system is non-negotiable and any attempt to compromise students’ future will not be accepted,” she said.
Selja also credited the Congress party for consistently raising students’ concerns at every level. She said that under the leadership of Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, the party had amplified the voices of students both inside Parliament and through public campaigns, demanding a fair investigation, institutional accountability and comprehensive reforms in the education sector.
Reaffirming the party’s commitment, Selja said Congress would continue to stand with students whenever they face injustice.
“We assure every student in the country that whenever your rights are threatened, the Congress Party under Rahul Gandhi’s leadership will stand firmly with you. Our struggle to protect the rights, dignity and future of the youth will continue,” she said.
The Congress leader also urged the Central Government to take immediate and concrete steps to ensure greater transparency in the education system, strengthen the credibility of examination processes and restore the confidence of students across the country.
