Thursday, 05 August 2021 | Gajendra Singh Negi | Dehradun
PIONEER INTERVIEW
Pushkar Singh Dhami became the youngest chief minister of Uttarakhand on July 4 replacing Tirath Singh Rawat. In the last one month Dhami has impressed many with his maturity and has succeeded in taking everyone along in the party. In an interaction with The Pioneer, Dhami expressed his opinion on various issues. Here are the excerpts.
Today you have completed one month in office as CM of the state. What are the three most important achievements during this period?
In the last one month we have launched many welfare schemes and taken many steps for the benefit of the people. We have started Mukhyamantri Vatsalya Yojana for the children who have lost their parents during the pandemic period. This is probably the only scheme which caters to all aspects and tries to replace tears of children with smiles. Under Mahalakshmi Yojana we have provided kits to mother and newborn on birth of female children. Similarly we have released relief packages worth Rs 200 crore for the tourism industry and Rs 205 crore for health workers. We have started the process to fill 22,000 vacant posts in the government sector.
There were many contenders for the post of CM when Tirath Singh Rawat was asked to resign. After the high command picked you there were some signs of discontent among some ministers. Are things settled now?
Do you see any discontent? Our party is like a family and everyone is committed to a bigger purpose. Since I am the younger one, I had no hesitation to meet everyone and all are now on the same page.
Neighbouring Uttar Pradesh has come up with a draft for population control bill. Any plans for such a policy in Uttarakhand?
I am of the opinion that burgeoning population should be controlled as it is the major roadblock in the path of development. We will take appropriate steps to address the issue.
A demand is emanating from various quarters to make Gairsain the permanent capital of the state. What is your opinion on it? Has your party prepared any road map on Gairsain?
Our government made Gairsain the summer capital of Uttarakhand. The Congress party has so far only played politics on the issue. Yes, we have a roadmap for development of infrastructure in Gairsain and we are moving ahead on it.
Congress is claiming that it would quash the amendments made by the BJP government in Uttarakhand (UP) Zamindari Abolition and Land Reforms Act in its first cabinet meeting. What are your views on land laws?
The Congress party is at the root of all problems. It does nothing but provokes the people. To study land laws we have constituted a high level committee headed by chief secretary (CS) and based on its recommendations we would take required measures in the interest of the people of the state.
Would the BJP contest the assembly elections of 2022 in the seven months of your rule or would it focus on achievements of the last five years?
I am more focussed on the development of the state than the elections. I am a firm believer on ‘Karmanye Vadhikaraste Ma faleshu Kadachana’ philosophy of Bhagwat Geeta. If my government is able to deliver on development then the people would give their blessing to us. As far as elections are concerned we would approach the public with our performance in the past five years.
You are the youngest CM of the state so far. Would the party give more tickets to young leaders in the assembly elections?
The BJP has always given prominence to youth in the organisation. In our team there is a very good blend of experience and youth which I believe is good for the state.
The state government has taken up a target to vaccinate 100 per cent of the adult population till December this year but the pace of vaccination is not picking up. How will the target be achieved.
We have directed the authorities concerned to ensure that the target of vaccination is achieved in time. The pace of vaccination would be expedited and we are receiving the required number of vaccine doses from the central government. At present our state is in fifth position on vaccination success in the country.
What are the plans to effectively tackle the probable third wave of Covid-19 in the state?
We have made necessary preparations in all the district hospitals, CHCs and PHCs and have directed authorities to ensure that all the medicines are available in all health centres before August 10. A total of 1,945 paediatric oxygen beds, 739 NICU and PICUs have been kept reserved for children. Health fairs would be organised in every assembly constituency.
What is your message to the public and how would you deliver the promises made?
The motto of Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas and Sabka Vishwas given by PM Modi is our Mantra. With everyone’s support we would take Uttarakhand to new heights of development. We do not believe in mere promises and announcement of schemes only but in fulfilment of all the promises. We are only making announcements which can be implemented in a time bound manner.
