E-Paper
MLA report cards: Shiv Ram Kaler and Gurcharan Singh Boparai
Hindustan Times takes a look at Punjab MLAs and their performance:
Shiv Ram Kaler, 65, SAD
Constituency: Jagraon
Education: Graduate
Assets declared in last polls: Rs 2 cr
Electoral record
2012: Defeated Cong’s Isher Singh Meharban by 204 votes
2007: Did not contest; Gurdeep Singh Bhaini won this seat for the Congress
Assembly record
Questions asked: 28
Call attention moved: 0
Power punch Son of a daily-wager, he became PCS officer in 1990
What next Likely to get the SAD ticket again from this segment
How he performed
During Kaler’s tenure, sewerage was laid in many parts of Jagraon. However, the problem of waterlogging in most parts of the town remains, causing inconvenience particularly during rainy season. The MLA claims Rs 4 crore was spent on sports infrastructure. Also, 16 Suwidha Kendras (service centres) were opened in villages. Lanes in some parts of the town were dug up for laying sewerage, and have since then not been reconstructed. A drug de-addiction centre was built inside the civil hospital at Jagraon; reverse osmosis (water-purifying) systems were installed in 36 villages. Two sewerage treatment plants were also established. But the MLA was not able to control the stray cattle that have become a major cause of road accidents in the area.
Voter speak
In the past five years, roads have been built; and provision of Suwidha Kendra in many parts of Jagraon has also eased many hassles encountered earlier by people.
Mohinder S Mann, 50, businessman
Stray cattle in Jagraon are a major problem, and no one has done anything about it so far. Although there is overall development, this menace needs to be removed.
Arshpreet Thind, 26, farmer
By the way
All his 3 children are settled abroad
Gurcharan Singh Boparai, 59, Congress
Constituency: Raikot
Education: Class 10
Assets declared in last polls: Rs 45 lakh
Electoral record
2012: Defeated SAD’s Bikramjit Singh by a margin of 3,893 votes
2007: Did not contest; Harmohinder Singh won this seat for the Congress
Assembly record
Questions asked: 52
Call attention moved: 0
Power punch Brother of state Cong vice-president Amar Singh
What next Set to recontest on Congress ticket
How he performed
Boparai claims that lack of funds from the state’s SAD-BJP government — as he is from the opposition — meant that he could not do much. However, he did not hold any protests against the state government over this. He had proposed an industrial focal point, polytechnic, and a sewage treatment plant (STP) to the state government, but the funds were not approved. Yet, a veterinary hospital was opened at Pakhowal village that helped local farmers. Sewerage was also laid in Halwara town. The lack of potable water supply to many houses remains an issue. Paving of roads in some villages has earned him some praise in parts of the constituency. He is also known to attend weddings and memorial services regularly.
Voter speak
The area lacks good roads and other basic amenities. These were absent even 10 years ago. There is a need for revamp, particularly for connectivity to villages.
Prem Singh, 55, labourer
There are areas where electricity poles are absent, due to which tubewells for farmland could not be installed. In the paddy season, we highlighted that; but to no avail.
Jeet Singh, 75, farmer
By the way
Once a week, meets and gives money to beggars
Tomorrow: Moga, Dharamkot, Zira, Ferozepur
