Sanjay Bhatia Raises Key Public Interest Issues in Parliament, Brings Haryana-Related Concerns to the National Spotlight

New Delhi, August 6: Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament Shri Sanjay Bhatia raised several important public interest issues during the Monsoon Session of Parliament, bringing matters affecting ordinary citizens to the centre of national discourse. He sought detailed information from various Union Ministries on subjects including women’s and girl child empowerment, education and employment, farmers’ welfare, food security, cooperatives, financial inclusion, MSMEs, and renewable energy. Through these parliamentary questions, he sought to assess the progress of key national initiatives while also highlighting their implications for Haryana.

Positive Outcomes of ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’

In response to the questions raised by MP Sanjay Bhatia, the Ministry of Women and Child Development informed the Rajya Sabha that the ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ campaign has yielded encouraging results. The national Sex Ratio at Birth has improved from 918 in 2014-15 to 929 (provisional) in 2025-26. During the same period, the Gross Enrolment Ratio of girls at the secondary level increased from 75.51% to 83.4%. The Government further stated that several inter-ministerial initiatives are being implemented to promote girls’ education, health, nutrition, career guidance, self-defence training, and gender equality.

Stronger Link Between Education and Employment

According to the Ministry of Education, the Government is placing special emphasis on strengthening collaboration between industry and educational institutions in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The Union Budget 2026-27 has announced the development of five university townships near major industrial and logistics hubs. To enhance employability, the Government is promoting mandatory internships, apprenticeships, industry-academia partnerships, and skill-based academic programmes.

By raising this issue, MP Sanjay Bhatia highlighted the Government’s efforts to improve skill development and employment opportunities for young people. For an industrially advanced and rapidly developing state like Haryana, stronger industry-academia integration has the potential to generate significant employment opportunities.

Focus on Farmers’ Welfare and Food Security

On issues concerning food security and farmers, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution informed the House that the foodgrain stock in the Central Pool as on 1 April 2026 was above the prescribed buffer norms. Wheat procurement during the Rabi Marketing Season 2026-27 increased to 357.57 lakh metric tonnes, benefiting more than 3.48 million farmers under the Minimum Support Price (MSP) mechanism. The Government also stated that surplus foodgrains continue to be sold under the Open Market Sale Scheme to optimise storage costs and strengthen national food security. The information reflects the Government’s continued commitment towards safeguarding farmers’ interests and ensuring food security.

Cooperatives Creating New Opportunities for Farmers

Responding to another question, the Ministry of Cooperation informed that under the “Sahkar Se Samriddhi” initiative, 38,138 new cooperative societies had been registered across the country up to 15 July 2026. Haryana has also witnessed expansion in PACS, dairy and fisheries cooperative societies. The Ministry stated that Multi-Purpose Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) are playing an increasingly important role in providing farmers with agricultural machinery, warehousing, credit, seeds, fertilisers and several other essential services. This is expected to strengthen the rural economy and improve access to services at the grassroots level.

The Government further informed that the National Cooperative Exports Limited (NCEL), National Cooperative Organics Limited (NCOL) and Bharatiya Beej Sahakari Samiti Limited (BBSSL) are facilitating exports, organic farming, quality seeds and access to international markets for farmers. The growing participation of thousands of primary cooperative societies is creating new opportunities for value addition and higher farm incomes.

Jan Dhan Scheme Strengthening Financial Inclusion

The Ministry of Finance informed that as on 15 July 2026, over 58.77 crore Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan accounts had been opened across the country, including 32.75 crore accounts held by women. In Haryana alone, 111.39 lakh Jan Dhan accounts were operational as of May 2026. The Government clarified that these accounts do not require any minimum balance and continue to provide benefits such as overdraft facilities and accident insurance coverage. The expansion of financial inclusion has helped bring economically weaker sections into the formal banking system.

Greater Credit Support for MSMEs

Replying to questions related to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), the Ministry of Finance informed that SIDBI has opened 71 new branches across the country in recent years and has undertaken several measures to improve credit flow to MSMEs. The Government also highlighted the launch of ECLGS 5.0, which provides additional credit support along with 100% guarantee coverage for eligible MSMEs. These initiatives are expected to strengthen small and medium enterprises and promote employment generation in Haryana as well as across the country.

Renewable Energy: Exploring New Opportunities

MP Sanjay Bhatia also raised the issue of renewable energy in Parliament. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy informed that India’s estimated floating solar energy potential stands at 102.18 GW. Studies have assessed the potential utilisation of water bodies across various states, including Haryana. The Ministry clarified that while a separate Floating Solar Policy has not yet been notified, consultations and inter-departmental coordination are underway.

Bringing Haryana’s Interests to the National Platform

The issues raised by Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Bhatia reflect his continued commitment to public welfare and proactive parliamentary engagement. While highlighting concerns related to women, farmers, youth, students, entrepreneurs and rural communities, he also sought accountability regarding the implementation and progress of major Government programmes. By drawing attention to Haryana-specific data and opportunities within the broader framework of national policies, he sought to ensure that the State’s farmers, youth, women, students, entrepreneurs and cooperative institutions derive maximum benefit from Central Government schemes. His sustained efforts in Parliament underline his commitment to effectively representing Haryana’s interests while contributing to discussions on national policy and public welfare.