MP Er Rashid donates one month’s salary for Iran school, highlights Iran tragedy in Parliament

New Delhi, Mar 24: Member of Parliament from Baramulla, Er Rashid, on Tuesday announced in Parliament that he will donate his one month’s salary for the reconstruction of a school in Iran where more than 100 children were killed, making a humanitarian appeal during his speech on Finance Grants in the Lok Sabha.

Raising the issue during the session, Rashid said that humanitarian values must prevail when innocent lives are lost, irrespective of political considerations.

The announcement comes amid broader discussions on foreign policy and domestic governance, with the MP using his speech to highlight both international concerns and local issues affecting Jammu and Kashmir.

“I will donate my one month’s salary for rebuilding that school where over a hundred children lost their lives. This is a small contribution, but it reflects our responsibility towards humanity,” Rashid said.

He referred to the reported school strike in Iran that claimed over 100 children’s lives, calling it a tragedy that demands global solidarity.

Rashid also highlighted the response of people in Kashmir, saying residents contributed generously to support victims, even donating personal belongings.

“We must stand with those facing injustice,” he said, urging the Government of India to adopt what he described as a compassionate and balanced approach in global matters.

During his speech, the Baramulla MP also raised the issue of the Indus Water Treaty, stating that Jammu and Kashmir has suffered losses over the years due to restrictions and deserves compensation.

He demanded a special package to offset these losses, particularly in regions with significant but under utilised hydropower potential.

Rashid further expressed concern over reports of attempts to remove or target historical figures such as Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, Allama Iqbal and Muhammad Ali Jinnah from academic or public discourse.

“History cannot be erased or rewritten by selectively removing personalities,” he said, warning against what he termed as the consequences of rewriting history.

He also called for the establishment of a high-level national commission to investigate alleged disproportionate wealth accumulated over the past three decades by politicians, bureaucrats, police officials and sections of the media.

Such a commission, he said, should trace assets, including benami properties, and recover public money.

“If the looted wealth is brought back, it can transform the lives of millions and reduce inequality,” Rashid said.

On Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), he said major institutions must ensure that funds reach underserved and backward regions, including parts of Baramulla.

He pointed out that despite the presence of major institutions such as NHPC and Jammu and Kashmir Bank, awareness and impact of CSR initiatives remain limited on the ground.

Rashid also raised broader concerns about inequality and governance, questioning what he described as leniency towards economic offenders while ordinary citizens face stricter laws.

He reiterated the demand for restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir and called for focused development in border and backward areas, particularly in infrastructure and education. [KNT]