AAP MP Meet Hayer raised key issues in Parliament, demanding an increase in honorarium for Anganwadi workers, additional ₹20,000 crore for Punjab’s flood relief, new ration cards, and equitable sports grants for Punjab based on performance.
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Member of Parliament from Sangrur, Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer, recently raised multiple critical issues during his address on the Supplementary Demands in Parliament. Meet Hayer’s demands ranged from the enhancement of honorarium for Anganwadi workers to a significant increase in flood relief for Punjab.
Hayer emphasized the dire need to regularize the services of Anganwadi workers and helpers and to increase their meager honorarium. Currently, these workers are paid just ₹4,500, while helpers receive only ₹2,250, despite their crucial role in child development and welfare. He called for an increase in their honorarium, the introduction of a permanent salary, and regularization of their employment.
Demand for ₹20,000 Crore Flood Relief Package for Punjab
Highlighting the devastation caused by floods in Punjab, Hayer demanded an additional ₹20,000 crore in flood relief funds to compensate for the actual losses suffered by the state. While the Prime Minister had announced a ₹1,600 crore relief package, Hayer pointed out that Punjab had yet to receive any of the promised funds. The state incurred financial losses estimated at ₹20,000 crore, with critical infrastructure, including roads and bridges, severely damaged. Hayer urged the central government to immediately release the funds to aid in the recovery process.
Call for New Ration Cards Amid Population Growth
Addressing the issue of ration cards under the Public Distribution System, Hayer raised concerns about the lack of updated records. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2021 census was not conducted, leaving the state with outdated population data. According to the 2011 census, 1.41 crore ration cards were issued in Punjab, but with population growth, there has been an increase in families living below the poverty line, requiring a revision and increase in the number of ration cards. Hayer demanded the immediate issuance of new ration cards to ensure adequate food supply for vulnerable families.
Sports Grants and Discrimination Against Punjab
Hayer also took a stand against the inequitable distribution of sports grants in India, particularly criticizing the exclusion of Punjab from the Khelo India grants. He pointed out that despite Punjab’s exemplary sporting performance, the state received no significant support while other states, like Gujarat, were allocated crores of rupees. Notably, Punjab athletes performed exceptionally at the 2024 Paris Olympics, with eight players winning medals in hockey. He highlighted that villages like Sansarpur, known for producing multiple medal-winning athletes, should be recognized and rewarded. Hayer demanded that sports grants be allocated based on actual sporting achievements and that Punjab’s contribution to the country’s success in sports be properly acknowledged.
India’s Upcoming Commonwealth Games and Lack of Sports Focus
Lastly, Hayer raised concerns about the lack of attention towards sports funding as India prepares to host the Commonwealth Games in 2030. Despite the nation’s upcoming involvement in a global sporting event, the Central Government had not made provisions for sports in the supplementary grants this year. Hayer urged the government to allocate appropriate funds for sports infrastructure and training to ensure India’s preparedness for the international sporting event.
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