‘Multi-pronged attack on drugs a priority’

First-time MP Sunita Duggal has the distinction of being the only woman parliamentarian from the state. In an interview with The Tribune reporter Geetanjali Gayatri, she underlines the need to tackle drug menace. 

What is the one big problem in your constituency that needs immediate redress? What will be your other priority areas?

Drug addiction is beginning to pose a big challenge in our area which shares a long boundary with Punjab where the problem is rampant. We need to nip this evil in the bud and have to launch a multi-pronged attack. Besides drug addiction, we need a central university for girls in our area so that girls have access to quality education. In my term as MP, I will try to get one such university approved. Then, water scarcity is a chronic issue and I will take it up with the departments concerned.

How do you intend to tackle the drug problem?

In my constituency, my priority is to open more de-addiction centres and additional rehabilitation centres to deal with addicts. As the emphasis has to be on creating awareness against the menace which is gradually eating into our society, I will get awareness camps organised. I will shortly be calling a meeting of the Superintendents of Police of three districts — Sirsa, Fatehabad and Jind — to see what can be done. Also, I want to constitute teams of locals who can keep vigil in their localities or villages. For this, I will hold a meeting of the local councillors and sarpanches of the villages.

Since you are the only woman MP from Haryana, will you push for greater awareness on personal hygiene among women and improved sanitary conditions for them?

Sanitation among women and matters of their personal hygiene are crucial to their well-being. Menstruation cannot be a taboo anymore. We need to discuss it openly. I am in touch with a few societies, essentially NGOs, working in this particular sector. We are working on installing sanitary napkin vending machines at various public places to encourage women to use them. This is one priority area which, as a woman MP, I will push for and stand for.

Is there any disturbing trend in society that bothers you?

I personally think that the khaps of Haryana are being shown in poor light despite doing very good work. They are working for the welfare and uplift of society and I want to bring out their positive face through the many initiatives they have taken to preserve values. I have spoken to a few khaps and we are working on wiping out past impressions.

Setting the agenda

I personally think that the khaps of Haryana are being shown in poor light despite very good work done by them. They are working for the welfare and uplift of society and I want to bring out their positive face. I have spoken to a few khaps and we are working on wiping out past impressions.