Haryana Assembly

The current session of the Haryana Vidhan Sabha saw significant legislative action, notably the passage of the Haryana Registration and Regulation of Travel Agents Bill, 2025. By mandating registration and imposing strict penalties — up to seven years of imprisonment and Rs 5 lakh in fines — the government has taken a necessary step to protect its citizens from deceit and potential human-trafficking. Given the alarming rise in immigration scams, this law was long overdue. However, its success hinges on effective enforcement and public awareness campaigns to ensure people are not lured by unauthorised agents. While the Bill marks a significant step forward, it should be part of a broader strategy to address unemployment. Simultaneously, it must be complemented by efforts aimed at creating a conducive environment for education.

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In this context, the Vidhan Sabha’s discussion on the deteriorating state of government school infrastructure was, unfortunately, not encouraging. It received neither the urgency nor the debate it deserved. Reports from across the state paint a distressing picture — schools with leaking roofs, broken walls, and inadequate sanitation. Many lack functional toilets or even basic drinking water facilities. In rural areas, classrooms are overcrowded and there is an acute shortage of teachers. The Opposition attempted to highlight these failures, but discussions were either side-tracked by political sparring or met with vague reassurances from the ruling Benches. The government’s standard response — promising budget allocations and future improvements — rings hollow when students continue to study in unsafe conditions even as bureaucratic inefficiencies stall progress.

This contrast in priorities raises concerns. While tackling immigration fraud is necessary, ignoring the crumbling education system weakens Haryana’s future workforce. The government must realise that preventing desperate emigration begins with improving opportunities at home.