Unemployed agriculture graduates have been on protest for nearly a month, demanding the filling of vacant posts and a review of SRO-443. The government must listen to their demands and address their legitimate concerns. Intimidation, harassment or any form of coercive measures will not resolve the issue. A meaningful response to their legitimate grievances is essential.

It is deeply disturbing to watch a video of an IAS officer shouting at a female colleague, using inappropriate language, denying her an opportunity to explain herself, and instead asking his staff to type her suspension order. Such conduct is highly unbecoming of a public servant. The officer must be held accountable for his remarks and behaviour. Human dignity is non-negotiable, and no position of authority gives anyone the right to humiliate another person. Respect, fairness and dignity must be upheld in every workplace.

The proposal to introduce uniform topics for Friday sermons at mosques raises serious concerns about interference in the religious affairs of people. While the Waqf Board chairman has denied any intention to impose such a system, the very suggestion raises questions about the role of authorities in religious matters. Such moves can be seen as testing public reaction to greater government involvement in religious affairs. Even without a formal order, there are concerns that the authorities may try to influence what religious leaders say in their sermons. Religious freedom must be respected, and the autonomy of religious institutions should not be undermined. Managing Waqf properties is one thing; deciding what people should hear in their places of worship is quite another.

Health professionals have pointed to a possible link between excessive pesticide use and cancer. This issue needs to be examined seriously. I also urged the government to waive farmers’ KC C agri-loans, as they have suffered repeated weather shocks in the absence of an adequate safety net.

Question Hour in the list of business of the legislature is the most important part of the proceedings, which enables members to question and seek answers from the government and make it accountable. Stalling Question Hour virtually deprives legislators of an important opportunity to make the government responsive to the urges and aspirations of the people. While BJP members were raising slogans, I urged all legislators, irrespective of political affiliations, to jointly press the Government of India to fulfil its repeated commitment to restore full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. The legislature itself is disempowered and thereby citizens feel disappointed. It is time that all legislators, irrespective of their affiliations, unitedly raise their voice in support of this legitimate and long-pending demand of the people.