Chandigarh, January 23
The General Secretary AICC, former Union Minister and MP Kumari Selja, in a statement released to the media on Thursday, said that over the past few years the Haryana government has made several announcements regarding the expansion of education and healthcare services. Claims such as opening colleges every 20 kilometres and developing medical institutions in every district have been prominently highlighted. While the intent behind these announcements may be commendable, the ground reality, she said, tells a different story.
Selja said the real challenge in these sectors continues to be the acute shortage of basic human resources. According to information obtained under the Right to Information Act, several government colleges in Haryana are functioning without regular principals, while a large number of assistant professor posts remain vacant. Due to the severe shortage of teachers in many subjects, students’ education is being adversely affected.
Selja said at the school level as well, many institutions are operating without regular headmasters or principals, forcing the system to function through additional charge arrangements given to teachers. Highlighting the condition of healthcare services, Selja said the situation is equally alarming. A large number of posts of doctors and paramedical staff remain vacant in government hospitals and health centres. As a result, patients are unable to receive timely treatment and the healthcare system is not functioning with the efficiency expected of it.
Selja said the situation becomes even more concerning when young people are seeking employment, while on the other hand, numerous posts remain vacant for years. This not only weakens administrative efficiency but also breeds frustration and disappointment among the youth. The MP said that it is imperative to move beyond mere infrastructural expansion in vital sectors like education and healthcare and ensure regular appointments of qualified teachers and doctors. Colleges, schools, hospitals and medical institutions can function effectively only when they are adequately staffed with trained teachers, doctors and supporting personnel. Keeping in mind the future of the state’s citizens, especially the youth, Selja expressed hope that the government would address these issues with seriousness and take concrete steps to strengthen education and healthcare services by filling vacant posts on a priority basis.
