Patiala, July 18 -- As the 18th Lok Sabha completes its first year, here's a look at second-time MP Dr Dharamvira Gandhi's performance in the lower House of Parliament and his plans for the constituency. This year has been disappointing so far, as the government continues to avoid discussions on key issues such as unemployment, farmer distress, and rising inflation. The government appears to be reluctant to engage in meaningful debate. Moreover, the revised guidelines issued by the Union government have led to underutilisation of the MP Local Area Development Scheme, or MPLADS funds. The district administration is confused, resulting in the underutilisation of the funds. The new guidelines are not allowing MPs to function independently. During the budget session, I got the opportunity to initiate the discussion on behalf of the Congress and spoke for 25 minutes in the House. I dedicated around 10 minutes to highlighting the farmers' issues. We, the opposition MPs, wanted the House to run and hold discussions. The Congress party MPs made the effort in the last two to three sessions, but the treasury benches avoided the discussions. I am satisfied with the number of sittings of the Lok Sabha; they were adequate. However, I am disappointed with the manner in which the business was conducted. No meaningful discussion took place as the government forcefully passed the bills sans discussion. I think the most effective way to raise an issue of public importance in the House is during zero hour. The MPs should try to get the question, related to the public importance, 'starred'. Once your question is pegged as starred, the concerned minister will have to give an explanation in the House, and MPs can also ask supplementary questions, which is not possible with unstarred questions. My biggest achievement during the first year as an MP has been to get approval for the Rajpura-Chandigarh railway line, and the sanctioning of Rs.202 crore for the initiation of this project for the purchase of land. In the remaining term, I will try to get major trains running on this route for the benefit of the people of this area. Besides, I will try to raise the issue of the Ghaggar river, which wreaks havoc every year during the monsoon season. next: Amar Singh, Congress MP from Fatehgarh Sahib...