‘Will streamline Central schemes’

What are your priorities as parliamentarian?

I have categorised my priorities in three parts. First, the main issue of budget allocation for the nine Assembly segments falling in the Fatehgarh Sahib Lok Sabha constituency, be it roads or other infrastructure. Second, arranging funds from the Centre for state projects, and third, raising voice against any move by the NDA government to disturb the democratic set-up of the country.  

Being a first-time MP, what issues you would raise in Parliament?

I am extremely fortunate that I have been elected from religiously important Fatehgarh Sahib seat. Be it Fatehgarh Sahib, Machhiwara or Raikot, I will raise the demand to bring these places on the religious tourist circuit. The issue of construction of railway overbridges (ROBs) on the Ludhiana-Rajpura rail line and bridges on the Ludhiana-Rajpur-Ambala national highway needs to be taken up on priority with the Railway Ministry and the NHAI. 

Being a former bureaucrat, do you think that your administrative experience will come in handy?  

I have a vast administrative experience while working on different positions in the Union government. I had played a key role in extending Central schemes to Punjab and allocation of additional storage space for grain during my tenure as CMD, FCI, and in formulating the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act scheme. My experience will surely be instrumental in managing Central schemes. 

What are the specific issues of your constituency that need immediate attention?

The revival of Mandi Gobindgarh foundries is important, but it won’t be enough for employment generation. Bringing new industry and promoting small-scale units along the national highway, be it truck body fabrication or sewing machine parts manufacturing, is on my priority list. There is an urgent need to address the problem of unemployment. Bringing a national-level medical institute and declaring the Halwara airport as an international airport is also on agenda.

As a Dalit MP, what are core issues of the community you would raise in Parliament?

The main issue of release of Central grant under the SC Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme is my topmost priority. The NDA government in its previous stint had diluted schemes like MGNREGA and SC scholarships by reducing its fiscal liability. The NDA had also failed to fulfil the promises made to the community during its previous stint.

Being in the Opposition, how do you plan to raise your voice on contentious issues?

The brief is very clear from the party high command. We will strongly oppose any move by the NDA government against tinkering with the democratic spirit of important institutions. Protecting the sanctity and dignity of such institutions would be our priority. Raising issues concerning Punjab is also on the agenda. 

Setting the agenda

There is an urgent need to address the problem of unemployment. Bringing a national-level medical institute and declaring Halwara airport as international airport is also on agenda