MP Sant Seechewal raises Punjab’s key issues during Monsoon Session

Despite the Monsoon Session being marred by continuous disruptions, Rajya Sabha member and environmentalist Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal raised several important issues concerning Punjab. He highlighted the plight of farmers, the distress of youth migrating abroad, and the alarming rise of cancer cases hollowing out Punjab’s foundation.

Speaking on the last day of the session, Sant Seechewal said during the four-week-long Monsoon Session, he had raised many issues through written questions in Parliament. He also questioned who should be held accountable for the daily loss of crores of rupees due to the non-functioning of the House.

Sant Seechewal pointed out that this year, heavy rains wreaked havoc in Himachal Pradesh, while the rising water level of the Beas river in Punjab cut off many villages in the mand area. With Parliament’s functioning stalled, he prioritised helping people in flood-affected regions.

On August 20, his scheduled question in Parliament was regarding the acquisition of farmland for building national highways. He stressed that such acquisitions often fragment land, directly harming farmers. He further emphasised that if children of farmers — who feed the nation — were left starving, then the matter must be taken up with utmost seriousness.

Raising another grave concern, Sant Seechewal highlighted the growing number of cancer patients in Punjab, calling it deeply worrisome. He demanded that cancer medicines be made more affordable and 80 per cent subsidy be provided for treatment.

He also highlighted painful stories of Punjab’s youth who, in search of opportunities abroad, were often exploited by travel agents. Parents, after spending huge sums, sometimes faced hear breaking tragedies when these agents lead Punjabi youths through the dangerous jungles of Panama, he said. Many times, local groups there commit atrocities against these youths, often costing them their lives, he said.