CHANDIGARH | PEN OF DEMOCRACY NEWS DESK

Sirsa MP, former Union Minister, Congress national general secretary and Congress Working Committee (CWC) member Kumari Selja has expressed serious concern over the reported rise in crime, drug abuse, unemployment and cyber fraud in Haryana. She said the BJP government had promised to make the state a leader in development, employment and prosperity, but growing crime-related concerns had raised questions about its performance and its ability to provide a secure environment for residents.

Selja said the sharp increase in reported cybercrime cases was particularly worrying because it raised questions about the preparedness of law-enforcement agencies, the effectiveness of cyber security measures and the protection available to ordinary citizens against digital fraud. She called for the government to explain the steps it had taken to prevent such offences and improve its response to victims.

Cybercrime Cases Rise Sharply in Haryana

Referring to figures attributed to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), Selja said Haryana recorded 751 cybercrime cases in 2023. The number rose to 1,815 in 2024, an increase of approximately 142 per cent in a single year.

She contrasted this increase with a reported national rise of around 18 per cent and an increase of approximately 74 per cent in neighbouring Punjab during the same period. According to the figures she cited, Haryana’s rate of increase was nearly eight times the national rate, making the trend a matter of serious concern.

Selja said the figures required the state government to examine whether preventive measures, investigation capacity and public-awareness efforts were adequate. Cybercrime can affect people across income groups, and victims may lose savings accumulated over many years. The reported rise, she said, should prompt a clear assessment of the steps being taken to protect residents from online fraud.

Online Fraud Threatens Families, Senior Citizens and Traders

Selja said online cheating, digital financial fraud and changing methods of cybercrime had increased the risks faced by ordinary people, senior citizens and traders. As more transactions and services depend on digital systems, residents need effective protection, accessible complaint mechanisms and timely investigation when fraud occurs.

She stressed that the response could not be limited to public statements or assurances. Cyber police stations must have trained personnel, modern technology and the investigative resources required to examine complaints and trace those responsible. Authorities should also make reporting cyber fraud easier for victims and strengthen awareness so people can recognise suspicious communications and fraudulent online approaches.

Selja questioned the government about the action taken to prevent cyber offences and the success achieved in returning money lost by victims. She asked Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini to explain what effective steps had been implemented and what results had been achieved in recovering defrauded amounts.

Unemployment and Drug Abuse Add to Social Concerns

The Congress leader also linked public-safety concerns with unemployment and the spread of drug abuse. She said a lack of adequate employment opportunities for young people, combined with the influence of drugs and criminal gangs, could deepen social insecurity.

Protecting young people from drug addiction and criminal networks, she said, should be a priority for the state government. She urged the authorities to pursue effective action against narcotics while creating meaningful employment opportunities for the state’s youth.

Selja argued that law and order, employment and public welfare should be addressed together rather than treated as separate political issues. Families need a safe environment, young people need opportunities to build their futures, and citizens need confidence that complaints of crime will be investigated seriously.

Selja Seeks Answers from Chief Minister

Questioning Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, Selja sought details of the government’s strategy for preventing cybercrime, strengthening cyber police stations and recovering money lost by victims. She said trained staff, modern technology and adequate investigative resources were essential if cyber-related complaints were to be handled effectively.

She called on the government to focus on strengthening law and order, conducting effective campaigns against drug abuse, creating employment opportunities and expanding public awareness of cyber security. In her view, these issues required practical measures and measurable results rather than political publicity.

Selja said the people of Haryana expected more than announcements: they needed a secure environment and accountable governance. She maintained that the BJP government should present a realistic account of its achievements and shortcomings in tackling crime and explain how it intended to respond to public concerns.

BOX: Release Pending Paddy Payments to Farmers Immediately: Kumari Selja

CHANDIGARH | PEN OF DEMOCRACY NEWS DESK

Kumari Selja has expressed concern over delays in paddy lifting and pending payments to farmers at grain markets across Haryana. She said farmers were facing financial difficulties because payments had not been released on time, adding to the pressure during the procurement season.

According to the figures cited by Selja, payments amounting to ₹2,148 crore were pending for approximately 88,000 farmers. She described the situation as a serious concern and urged the state government to ensure that farmers receive the money due to them without further delay.

Selja called on the government to enforce the stipulated 72-hour payment rule, arrange immediate lifting of paddy from mandis and deposit all outstanding amounts directly into farmers’ bank accounts. She said timely payments and efficient procurement arrangements were essential to prevent farmers from being left in financial difficulty after bringing their produce to market.