Focusing on rural development to improve economy & reduce migration: Chaudhary
Bharat Singh Chaudhary is a seasoned politician with an in-depth understanding of the issues and problems of the mountainous areas of the State. Recently, chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inducted him into his cabinet and handed over key assignments of Rural Development, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) and Khadi and Village Industries departments to him. In an interaction with Gajendra Singh Negi of The Pioneer, Chaudhary talked about his priorities and vision for the State.
Congratulations on your induction in the Dhami cabinet but don’t you think that there is limited time for you to show your potential?
You must have heard the story of Johnny Appleseed who used to spread apple seeds without any desire to eat the fruits. However, I believe that I have got enough time to perform. I have started work on long term projects in the departments headed by me and with the BJP poised to come to power again in 2027, I will get ample time and opportunities to perform.
What important decisions have you taken after becoming the minister?
In this short period I have directed that permanent appointment on the post of director MSME should be made. The department has been directed to fill the vacant posts of officers by giving relaxations in the criteria of promotions. In the Khadi and Village Industries department, efforts have started to make best use of the available land to the department. I have directed the officers to prepare a plan for ensuring a better startup ecosystem in the State and effectively implement all the existing policies. Directions to remove red tape at every level have been given and concerted efforts are being made to promote ‘ease of doing business’ in the State.
The mountainous geography of the State is considered not conducive for industrial growth. What is needed to overcome this challenge?
The scenario is rapidly changing with better rail, road and air connectivity. All parts of the State are now becoming increasingly accessible. The All Weather Road has proved to be a game changer. The Rishikesh- Karnprayag rail project will give another boost to accessibility and economy of the State.
The per capita income of the State is above national average but there is a clear gap in income of people in rural and urban areas. What needs to be done to bridge this gap?
We are focusing on effective implementation of flag schemes such as Gramothan- Rural Enterprise Acceleration Project (REAP) , Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana- National Rural Livelihood Mission (DAY-NRLM) and PMGSY. The House of Himalayas brand is being promoted. This will help in giving a push to the rural economy. We have brought seven line departments under one umbrella in implementing watershed management works in some areas as pilot projects and it will be implemented in the entire State. We have secured first position in the country in the mission of making Lakhpati Didis under REAP. All these measures will also help in preventing migration from the mountainous areas.
What efforts are being done to promote the Khadi and village industry?
We are making efforts to provide a good and sustainable market for Khadi products. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made an appeal to the people to adopt Khadi and his appeal is making things positive for Khadi. The Uttarakhand government has started an ambitious scheme to promote beekeeping in the villages located on forest fringes. Our department will make arrangements for the procurement of the organic honey produced.
The Vidhan Sabha elections in the State are less than nine months away. The Congress is focusing on the Garhwal region in order to come back to power. How do you see it?
The Congress party is a divided and confused house. It is raising non issues and its leaders are away from the public pulse. In the last Vidhan Sabha elections, Congress got routed in Pauri, Uttarkashi and Rudraprayag districts and got only one seat each in Chamoli and Tehri districts. This time the party will be wiped out completely in Garhwal region and its leader Ganesh Godiyal will again lose the elections.
BJP has been in power in the State since 2017. How will the party tackle anti-incumbency in 2027?
I believe that pro incumbency and anti-incumbency travel together. Our government is doing wonderfully on all fronts and people are happy with our performance. I am sure that like it happened in Assam, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana and Bihar, the BJP will win handsomely in Uttarakhand as well.
On what issues will the BJP focus in the election campaign of 2027?
We will focus on the agenda of development and will seek votes on the works done by our government. Women empowerment and employment generation will be on our agenda. The Congress is on a path of self-destruction and it has never returned back to power in the States where it has lost two elections consecutively. Similar fate awaits the party in Uttarakhand.
