Munish Sood
Mandi
Raises concerns over closure of Bandli PHC during public outreach in four Sundernagar panchayats; questions state government’s priorities and accountability
BJP Himachal Pradesh chief spokesperson and Sundernagar MLA Rakesh Jamwal on Wednesday accused the Congress government of neglecting rural concerns, alleging that social security pensions for elderly people, widows, persons with disabilities and other needy beneficiaries had remained pending for more than six months. He raised the issue during a public outreach visit to Jaral, Bandli, Badaihan and Wajeehan gram panchayats in the Sundernagar Assembly constituency.
According to Jamwal, residents expressed resentment over delays in pension payments and the lack of progress on local development issues. He said social security pensions were a crucial source of financial support for vulnerable sections of society, helping them meet everyday expenses, medical bills and other essential needs.
“Social security pensions are not a favour extended by the government but an important means of ensuring a dignified life for those who depend on them,” Jamwal said, demanding the immediate release of pending payments and a clear explanation for the delay.
Questions closure of Bandli health centre
Jamwal also raised the issue of the Primary Health Centre (PHC) at Bandli, alleging that the Congress government had discontinued the facility after coming to power, despite its importance for residents of the surrounding rural belt.
He said the health centre had been established during the previous BJP government to address the shortage of healthcare facilities in the area between Nihri and Sunni. Its closure, he claimed, had increased the difficulties faced by residents seeking medical treatment.
Jamwal further said that although the Chief Minister had reportedly assured the Assembly that the possibility of reopening the centre would be considered, the facility had yet to resume operations. He urged the state government to take concrete steps to restore the health centre and strengthen healthcare services in remote areas.
Describing access to healthcare as a matter of public safety, the MLA said delays in treatment could have serious consequences, particularly for elderly residents and patients requiring urgent medical attention.
Targets government over development and governance
The BJP leader alleged that development works across the state had slowed, roads remained in poor condition and healthcare services were under pressure. He accused the government of focusing on political controversies instead of addressing issues affecting people’s daily lives.
Questioning Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s approach to governance, Jamwal said political protests in Delhi and Shimla would not resolve the problems confronting Himachal Pradesh. He demanded answers on when pending pensions would be released, stalled development works completed and closed health institutions reopened.
Questions Congress over allegations of vote theft
Jamwal also criticised the Congress over its allegations of vote theft and its opposition to the intensive revision of electoral rolls. He questioned what he described as the inconsistency in the party’s position on electoral processes, arguing that political parties should substantiate allegations against elections with concrete evidence.
He said ensuring the accuracy of electoral rolls was an important part of the democratic process and maintained that concerns should be raised on the basis of facts.
The BJP MLA further alleged that the Congress government was attempting to divert public attention from governance-related concerns through political controversies. He also criticised what he described as attempts to use children to praise political leaders at official programmes, arguing that the focus should remain on education and children’s future.
Jamwal said the concerns raised during his visits to the four gram panchayats reflected issues that required the government’s immediate attention. He asserted that the BJP would continue to raise matters relating to pensions, healthcare, roads and rural development, adding that the ruling party would be answerable for its performance before the electorate in the next Assembly elections.
The allegations regarding pension delays, the health centre’s closure and the pace of development were made by Jamwal during his public outreach programme. The government’s response to the specific claims was not included in the statement provided.
