Himalaya Parivar Amplifies Demand for Dhar Block's Separate Assembly Seat in Punjab
In a significant political development, the Himalaya Parivar, an organization affiliated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), has intensified calls for the creation of a separate Vidhan Sabha constituency from Dhar block in Punjab. The group has formally petitioned the Centre, the state government, the Delimitation Commission of India, and the Election Commission of India (ECI) to expedite the process of converting Dhar into an independent Assembly seat.
Geographical and Administrative Challenges of Dhar Block
Dhar block is situated approximately 35 kilometers from the district headquarters in Pathankot. This remote location has long posed administrative hurdles, with many officials reportedly reluctant to take postings in the area due to its distance from urban centers. Residents have noted a pattern where newly appointed Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) or Tehsildars often proceed on extended leave shortly after assuming charge, exacerbating governance issues.
The region is characterized by its unique geography, lying along the borders of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. Most villages in Dhar are nestled in difficult mountainous terrain, with scattered settlements, long travel distances, and limited connectivity setting it apart from the plains that dominate much of Punjab.
Advocacy for Political Representation and Development
Paramjit Singh, the national working president of the Himalaya Parivar and a social worker, emphasized Dhar's critical contributions to Punjab's infrastructure. "The region hosts major national projects such as the Ranjit Sagar Dam and the Shahpur Kandi Dam Project, which are vital for the state's power generation and irrigation sectors," he stated. "Despite this, Dhar has not received proportionate political representation. It definitely deserves a separate seat in the Punjab Assembly to address its specific needs."
Ramesh Sharma, president of the Pathankot unit of Himalaya Parivar, highlighted the area's distinct challenges. "Dhar is the only prominent hilly region in Punjab, with geography and issues very different from the rest of the state," he explained. "This uniqueness warrants focused political attention, making the creation of a separate Vidhan Sabha constituency an urgent necessity."
Current Representation and Future Prospects
Currently, Dhar falls under the larger Sujanpur Assembly constituency, which is predominantly composed of plains areas. This arrangement has led to concerns that the specific issues of the hill population, such as road connectivity, healthcare access, quality education, and youth employment, are often overlooked in legislative discussions.
Mohit Arora, president of the Punjab unit of the Himalaya Parivar, outlined the potential benefits of a dedicated constituency. "A separate Assembly seat would ensure that the voices of Dhar's residents are heard clearly in the Punjab Assembly," he said. "A dedicated representative could focus on improving infrastructure, promoting eco-tourism and nature tourism, strengthening border area development, and creating better livelihood opportunities for local youth. This would unlock the region's immense potential for growth and development."
The demand for converting Dhar block into an Assembly constituency has gained momentum in recent days, with the Himalaya Parivar's petition adding weight to ongoing advocacy efforts. As stakeholders await responses from authorities, the call for enhanced political representation continues to resonate among residents seeking tailored solutions for their hilly homeland.
