J&K National Conference MP Sajjad Ahmad Kichloo on Tuesday alleged in the Rajya Sabha that hydropower project developers in Jammu and Kashmir are violating agreed terms by failing to employ local people, and he sought an inquiry into the matter.

Raising the issue during Zero Hour, Kichloo said hydropower remains the primary source of electricity for the Union Territory, with state-owned NHPC developing several projects alongside others implemented by the Jammu & Kashmir Power Development Corporation Limited (JKPDC). He claimed that developers are not meeting their local employment obligations and are breaching agreements made with the state.

He also highlighted concerns over inadequate rehabilitation of displaced communities, stating that police complaints were allegedly being filed against those speaking out. He urged the formation of a special committee to investigate the issue. Kichloo noted that four major hydropower projects on the Chenab River—Pakal Dul, Ratle, Kiru and Kwar—are at the centre of these concerns.

Other MPs raised additional public issues. BJD MP Sasmit Patra called for the upgrade of the Rangeilunda airstrip into a fully equipped airport in Berhampur, Odisha, arguing that it has become a national economic necessity rather than a regional aspiration.

BJP MP Sanjay Seth urged the government to amend the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLAD) to allow 10 per cent of funds to be used for treating life-threatening illnesses. BJP MP Anil Sukhdeorao Bonde pressed for the inclusion of Hemlibra, a medicine used to prevent or reduce bleeding in patients with Haemophilia A, in the essential drugs list.

BJP MP Sangeeta Yadav advocated the creation of family care centres nationwide to provide homes for the elderly and orphaned children, proposing a nationally implemented ‘family care system’.

Congress MP Neeraj Dangi demanded recognition of Rajasthani as an official language under Article 345 of the Constitution and its inclusion in the 8th Schedule. BJP MP Maya Naroliya sought the renaming of the 11720 Jabalpur–Raipur Intercity Express to either Acharya Vidyasagar Intercity Train or Mook Maati Intercity Train.

BJP MP Sikander Kumar urged increased support for startups, skill development and vocational training in Himachal Pradesh, emphasising the need to curb youth migration to other states for employment.