Early Life and Education
Kumari Selja is affiliated with the Indian National Congress (INC), recognized for her extensive contributions to public service and social justice.
Born on September 24, 1962, in Parbhuwala, Hisar, Haryana, Selja is the daughter of Chaudhary Dalbir Singh, a notable Congress leader. She completed her schooling at the Convent of Jesus and Mary in New Delhi and pursued higher education at Panjab University, obtaining a Master’s degree.
Political Career
Selja’s political journey commenced in 1990 when she became the President of the Mahila Congress. In 1991, she was elected to the 10th Lok Sabha from the Sirsa constituency in Haryana. She secured re-election in 1996, representing the same constituency. During her tenure, she served as the Union Minister of State for Education and Culture under Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao.
In 2004, Selja was elected to the 14th Lok Sabha from the Ambala constituency and was appointed as the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation. She continued her ministerial roles in the subsequent UPA government, serving as the Minister of Tourism and later as the Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment.
After an unsuccessful bid in the 2019 general elections from Ambala, Selja was appointed as the President of the Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee in September 2019, leading the party during the state assembly elections.
Major Achievements
- International Engagements: As a member of the 14th Lok Sabha, Selja actively participated in international forums, including the Commonwealth Local Government Forum and the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association.
- UN Habitat Leadership: In 2007, she was elected President of the 21st Governing Council of UN-Habitat, reflecting her commitment to urban development and housing issues.
Key Political Initiatives
Sirsa MP Kumari Selja urged the Haryana government to prioritize employment over freebies, warning that handouts reduce work motivation. She welcomed the Supreme Court’s remarks and called for policies benefiting the truly needy.(Dainik Tribune)
Contributions
- Housing and Urban Development: During her tenure as the Minister of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation, Selja focused on formulating policies to address urban poverty and housing shortages.
- Tourism Promotion: As the Minister of Tourism, she undertook initiatives to boost India’s tourism sector, promoting cultural heritage and improving infrastructure.
Social Media
Personal Life
Details about Selja’s personal life are relatively private. She is known for her dedication to public service and her commitment to social causes, drawing inspiration from her father’s political legacy.
Legacy and Future Prospects
Kumari Selja’s political career is marked by her steadfast commitment to social justice and development. Her leadership roles within the INC and various ministerial positions underscore her influence in shaping policies aimed at societal upliftment. As she continues her political journey, her focus remains on advocating for the marginalized and working towards inclusive growth.
Promises and Future Commitments
In her current tenure, Selja has pledged to prioritize issues such as women’s empowerment, social justice, and urban development. She emphasizes the need for policies that address the challenges faced by underprivileged communities and aims to work towards creating equitable opportunities for all.
Videos and Interviews