Vinesh Phogat Raises Issue of Women's College in Her First Assembly Speech

During Tuesday's question hour in the Haryana Assembly, education took center stage. MLAs from various constituencies voiced their concerns about the need for new colleges and the teacher shortage problem plaguing the state. 

Minister Outlines College Expansion Plans 

Education Minister Mahipal Singh Dhanda told the Assembly that the government is committed to its "one college every 20 kilometers" policy. "We want to make sure higher education reaches every corner of our state, especially in rural and semi-urban areas where students often struggle with access," he explained.

Phogat Makes Her Voice Heard

In her first major intervention since entering politics, wrestling champion and Congress MLA Vinesh Phogat pushed for a women's college in her Julana constituency. "This isn't just my demand," she said passionately. "It's the voice of our athletes and young women who want to study but face barriers." 

Phogat, who knows a thing or two about breaking barriers herself, highlighted the cultural realities of rural Haryana. "Many parents in our villages simply won't send their daughters to co-ed colleges," she pointed out. "A women's college would mean hundreds more girls getting educated instead of sitting at home."

Minister Counters with Vacancy Data

Minister Dhanda wasn't convinced. Armed with enrollment figures, he pushed back against Phogat's demand. 

"Look at the Government College in Julana city," he said. "It already has 208 girls and 213 boys studying there, with 161 seats still empty. And just a kilometer away, Pandit Ghaseram Kanya Gurukul Mahavidyalaya has 404 unfilled seats."

Dhanda challenged the opposition, saying, "Instead of asking for new buildings, why not help fill the seats we already have? Of course, if demand increases, we'll build another college. But right now, we have two institutions with hundreds of vacant seats."