Chandigarh/Panipat.
A Block Congress Workers’ Conference was organised in Panipat under the guidance of Haryana Congress In-charge Sanjay Dutt and under the chairmanship of Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee President Rao Narendra Singh. The conference called for strengthening the organisation up to the booth level, maintaining continuous dialogue with the people, and strongly raising issues concerning farmers, youth, sportspersons, traders and the general public.
Farmer Facing Problems in the Mandi and Sportsperson Lacking Adequate Facilities on the Field—Government Must Clarify Its Priorities: Sanjay Dutt
Haryana Congress In-charge Sanjay Dutt said that farmers across the state are bringing their crops to mandis, but are facing difficulties regarding the procurement, lifting and payment of paddy and bajra. Farmers should not have to make rounds of government offices to sell their produce. The government must ensure that crops are procured and lifted on time and that payments are made promptly.
He said that farmers and sportspersons are both an integral part of Haryana’s identity. A state that has produced international-level athletes for the country must provide sporting talent with adequate facilities, trained coaches, modern equipment and a secure future.
Sanjay Dutt said that sportspersons such as Mary Kom have enhanced the country’s prestige across the world through their talent, struggle and dedication. Such athletes have inspired millions of young people. The government’s responsibility should not be limited to honouring a sportsperson after winning a medal; it must also take responsibility for their training, healthcare, employment and future security.
He said there is a need for an effective system for the welfare of sportspersons and former sportspersons who have dedicated their lives to the country and the state. A sportsperson who has brought glory to the nation should not have to face economic or social insecurity in the later stages of life.
Sanjay Dutt said that during Congress governments, several measures relating to sports policy, employment and awards were introduced in Haryana to encourage sporting talent. Under the previous Congress government’s sports policy, provisions were made for providing government employment and higher positions to outstanding sportspersons, along with financial incentives for sporting talent.
He said the objective of a sports policy should not be limited to honouring a few medal-winning athletes, but should be to strengthen the entire journey of a sportsperson—from the village sports ground to the international stage.
On the issue of law and order, he said it is the government’s primary responsibility to ensure that ordinary citizens, women, traders and youth feel safe. Effective control over crime and equal enforcement of the law must be ensured.
He said employment is also a major challenge before the state. Young people need adequate employment opportunities, a transparent recruitment process and confidence in their future. The government must provide clear answers on issues related to employment and recruitment.
On the issue of SIR and electoral rolls, Sanjay Dutt said that the voting rights of every eligible citizen must be protected. Any changes to electoral rolls should be carried out through a transparent process, and every eligible voter must be given a full opportunity to present their case. Congress workers should remain vigilant in protecting democratic rights.
He said that Congress would continue to raise issues such as “vote theft and donation theft” before the people on the basis of facts and would continue to demand transparency and accountability in democratic institutions.
BJP Government Must Answer Questions Regarding the Honour and Future of Sportspersons; Congress Has Always Encouraged Sporting Talent: Rao Narendra Singh
Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee President Rao Narendra Singh said that Haryana’s identity is not limited to its farmers and soldiers but is also defined by the exceptional talent of its sportspersons.
Athletes from Haryana have brought glory to the country at the Olympics, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games and other international competitions.
He said that when a sportsperson enters the field, they do not play only for themselves but also for the state and the country. Therefore, it is the government’s responsibility to provide better grounds, modern equipment, trained coaches, medical facilities, competition preparation and dignified employment opportunities.
Rao Narendra Singh said that during the BJP government’s tenure, questions have repeatedly been raised regarding the recognition, facilities and future of sportspersons. The government should explain the condition of sports grounds and stadiums in villages, whether athletes are receiving regular training and equipment, and what concrete arrangements have been made to secure the future of talented sportspersons.
He said the example of great sportsperson Mary Kom is before us. She brought glory to the country, inspired millions of young people and gave Indian women’s boxing international recognition. The recognition of such athletes should not be limited to their active sporting careers. The government should also establish effective support and social security mechanisms for former athletes and those from economically weaker backgrounds.
Rao Narendra Singh said that during Congress governments, policies such as “Medal Lao, Pad Pao” (Win a Medal, Get a Position) were introduced to provide outstanding sportspersons opportunities in government service. During the Congress government, emphasis was placed on taking sports to villages, identifying sporting talent and securing the future of athletes.
He said Congress believes that sports are not merely a means of winning medals but are connected with the future of the youth and the identity of the state. Therefore, Congress workers will raise the problems faced by sportspersons at the village and booth levels.
Rao Narendra Singh said that the Congress organisation is not one that remains active only during elections. Booth-level workers will stand with the people in their times of happiness and difficulty and will strongly raise issues concerning farmers, youth, sportspersons, women, workers and traders.
Before Expecting Medals from Sportspersons, It Is Essential to Provide Them Better Facilities and a Secure Future: Deepender Hooda
Senior Congress leader and MP Deepender Hooda said that sportspersons from Haryana have brought glory to the country across the world through their hard work and talent. However, before expecting medals from any athlete, the government must provide them with good grounds, modern equipment, quality coaching, medical facilities and adequate training.
He said Haryana has no shortage of talent. There are many children and young people in villages who have the potential to make a mark at the national and international levels, but a lack of resources and opportunities creates obstacles in their path. The government must work at the grassroots level to bridge this gap.
Deepender Hooda said that sportspersons such as Mary Kom have demonstrated that with determination and the right opportunities, the daughters of India can raise the country’s flag high across the world. Such athletes should be honoured, and their experience should be utilised to prepare the next generation.
He said Congress governments have taken several important steps to provide sportspersons with recognition, awards, employment and facilities. Policies providing government appointments and financial rewards to outstanding athletes in Haryana were aimed at giving sportspersons confidence to pursue sports as a career.
He said honouring a sportsperson after they win a medal is not enough; the government should stand with them from the time they begin their sporting journey until after their sporting career.
Deepender Hooda said that farmers, youth and sportspersons are the strength of Haryana’s future. The state’s overall development cannot be envisioned by ignoring issues concerning these sections.
Resolve to Struggle for Every Public Issue Along with Strengthening the Organisation
At the conference, Congress leaders said that the real strength of the organisation lies in its booth-level workers. Every worker should visit villages and households, listen to people’s problems and ensure that issues concerning farmers, youth, sportspersons, women, workers and traders are taken up through the organisation at the appropriate forum.
Workers were urged to remain continuously active on public-interest issues while strengthening the organisation and to stand with the people in their times of happiness and difficulty. A strong organisation will serve as an effective means of taking the people’s voice to the government.
On the occasion, Indu Raj Narwal, Ramesh Malik, Divyanshu Budhiraja, Sachin Kundu, Balbir Valmiki, Rajendra Sharma, Jai Kumar and Manoj Bairagi, along with a large number of Congress office-bearers, workers and local leaders, were present.
