Putting an end to goondaraj is my priority: Sushil Rinku

Deepkamal Kaur

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, March 16

Having defeated the son of former BJP minister Bhagat Chunni Lal by a margin of 15,364 votes in the Jalandhar West constituency, first-time Congress MLA and former councillor Sushil Rinku has taken the tough challenge of ending the prevailing goondaraj as his priority.

“The entire Basti area falling in my constituency is badly affected due to the drug menace and lawlessness. There is a strong nexus of drug smugglers and anti-social elements in the areas, including Basti Bawa Khel, Bhargo Camp, Basti Sheikh and Basti Danishmandan. People here are still scared since the killing of 29-year-old Manish Luthra by liquor mafia for opposing the liquor sale,” said Rinku.

The Akalis had given them all a free hand, but the Congress would not, said the new MLA. “As told to us by our CM Capt Amarinder Singh, we have to get cracking against the drug mafia from day one. In fact, the raids have already begun in my area. I have a report that they have all gone underground and their houses and hideouts are lying locked. The raids will continue. I will keep a watch on the working of the cops of my area and will keep liaisoning with them for sharing tip-offs.”

Compaction ofKapurthala Road

Having worked as a councillor, civic issues continue to remain on top of his agenda, “It has been nearly two years now since the commuters from Jalandhar to Kapurthala are getting harassed owing to sewage work which took hell lot of a time. The work is now over but the road relaying is to be done. As of now, it is muddy and the ride is bumpy. I will ensure that proper compaction is done and a good road is paved so that the commuters do not suffer any more. Work on other main roads too is to be done.”

Skill development centre

The new Congress MLA says that various pending projects started but not opened by the previous government would be pushed on the fast track by him. “The SAD-BJP government had started a skill development centre on 120-Feet Road. The work on the centre remains shut as of now. This centre was to impart skill to the construction labourers. I intend to expand the scope of this centre so that skills in multiple vocations are provided. Jalandhar is a hub of hand tools and sports industry and a new dimension to this centre can be given accordingly,” he said, adding, “Likewise, I will also check the status of Mini-Civil Hospital, also coming up on 120-Feet Road. I will check the project details before getting it executed further,” he outlined his plan.

Upgrade ofgovt schools

The Congress MLA also wants to work on the upgradation of government schools. “I am also concerned about the students of a senior secondary school at Basti Danishmandan. The school has a small building in a 14-marla land and is ill-equipped infrastructure wise. The school has a huge strength. I intend to somehow get additional land for this school and improve facilities. Since the government is likely to face fund crunch, I will also try to rope in corporates, NRIs and NGOs for the provision of facilities in the schools of my area,” he said.