Chandigarh, Nov. 2 -- Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and Leader of the Opposition Bhupinder Singh Hooda on Monday highlighted the state's six-decade journey while presenting contrasting perspectives on its development and current challenges at a public representatives' conference organised by the Vidhan Sabha under the Constitution Fortnight programme in Panchkula.
Saini said political representatives might have different ideologies, but the development and prosperity of Haryana remained their common objective. He called for greater public participation, constitutional values and constructive debate in the Assembly. Marking 60 years of Haryana's formation on November 1, 1966, Saini recalled that the Assembly had 54 members initially, a number that increased to 90 in 1977. He said there was now a need to increase Assembly seats further to widen public representation. He emphasised the importance of Question Hour, budget discussions and legislative committees in ensuring accountability.
However, Hooda called for introspection, pointing to challenges including around 80 active criminal gangs, unemployment and the state's fiscal position. He said Haryana had slipped to 14th position in fiscal health, ranked 15th in borrowings and 11th in Sustainable Development Goals.
Hooda also highlighted the state's progress over six decades, noting that literacy had risen from 20 per cent to around 78 per cent and that more than 61 universities and colleges had been established.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.