‘Tribals must be on a par with others…I am sure state govt will focus on them’ | Bhubaneswar News
How has been your experience in Odisha so far?
Odisha possesses immense potential for growth and progress. The people of Odisha are known for their hardworking nature, simplicity, and humility. These qualities, combined with the state’s inherent advantages, create fertile ground for development across sectors. It has all the necessary components to emerge as a highly developed state.The region’s untapped potential, coupled with the right strategies and initiatives, can make Odisha among most developed states.
You did an extensive tour of the state before elections. What did you find out?
See, I extensively toured all 30 districts in the state and found deep-seated frustration and discontent among people towards the incumbent govt then. It became evident that the state govt initiatives and programmes had failed to make a meaningful impact at the grassroots level. Implementation of govt schemes was marred by bias, leading to unequal distribution of benefits among the populace. Moreover, corruption had become pervasive, further eroding the effectiveness of govt initiatives.
Were you the CM here, how differently would you have approached?
There was a shortage of basic needs. People were deprived of ‘bijli, sadak, aur paani’. There is a huge shortage of teachers in schools. I saw in primary schools, students sitting on the floor. During my district tours, people would often complain about teacher shortage. It’s the responsibility of every govt to provide education and basic healthcare, to ensure doctors are available to treat. Our people are not very demanding. They have very small needs. Their demands are very basic. It was the responsibility of the govt to fulfil those demands. But the past govt didn’t.
What is your expectation from the new BJP govt here?
It’s not just me. The entire population of Odisha has high hopes and aspirations from the new govt. I have full confidence that it will live up to people’s expectations. I am sure the govt will protect and promote Odia Asmita, Odia culture and fulfil people’s aspirations. Every native of Odisha is proud of being an Odia. In villages, the govt needs to ensure basic requirements. Schools must have teachers. The govt has to ensure safe drinking water for people. There should be enough irrigation in the state. Odisha has three ports and 12 big rivers. During my tours, when I used to meet farmers, they would tell me there is no irrigation facility.
What are your suggestions?
Instead of big dams, we should have small irrigation projects. There should be maximum possible check dams and focus on lift and drift irrigation. Such projects would take less time to complete and start giving benefits to the farmers early. They should be in a position to harvest two to three crops in a year. Currently, they are depending mostly on one crop in a year. Migration is a big problem because of this. If there is two to three crops, migration will stop. There should be more cottage industries. Self-help group women here make many products. They need proper market linkage. There is a need for better packaging and marketing. So that these are sold across the globe.
What are the challenges before tribals?
For a long time after India got independence, tribals did not develop the way they should have. Basic needs such as drinking water, motorable roads and power… There was no focus on them earlier the way it should have been. In the past 10 years, however, massive development of tribals is taking place. The Centre has been aggressively pursuing initiatives to ensure healthcare and education for tribes and electricity for every household. Eklavya Vidyalayas have revolutionized tribal education. States have also been coming out with various schemes for them. In Odisha, this is a new govt. I am sure the state govt will focus on tribals. Tribals need to be on a par with others on development parameters, so that there is vikshit Bharat.
Where do you see Odisha in the next five years?
A stable govt of 10 years is required. A double engine govt has been formed. Within the next 10 to 15 years, Odisha will have the capacity to become the most developed state in India. Odisha has untapped potential. PM Narendra Modi has spoken about the development of eastern India for development of India… Whether it’s Odisha or any other state in eastern India, it is the responsibility of the parties in power to work for development with people’s participation. Govts have to prepare policies, which become effective at the ground level. Implementation of schemes needs to reach the people. Odisha doesn’t have shortage of resources. People are very simple here. They are easily content with small things. I appeal to the people of Odisha to think big and dream big. They should expand their horizons further.
Your message to youths and students?
Youths are the nation’s power. In the past 10 years, the govt has been focusing on skill development of the youth. Globally, there is demand for skilled workers. Opening of a skill development ministry has helped us create a large pool of skilled manpower. Startup India and Standup India and Mudra Yojana have helped empower youth. The PM’s call to youth to become job givers instead of job seekers is fast turning into reality. Unemployment is no doubt a problem. But it’s impossible to provide govt jobs for everyone. That’s why, with a long-term vision, Prime Minister Modi focused on initiatives to sprout innovations.
Odisha possesses immense potential for growth and progress. The people of Odisha are known for their hardworking nature, simplicity, and humility. These qualities, combined with the state’s inherent advantages, create fertile ground for development across sectors. It has all the necessary components to emerge as a highly developed state.The region’s untapped potential, coupled with the right strategies and initiatives, can make Odisha among most developed states.
You did an extensive tour of the state before elections. What did you find out?
See, I extensively toured all 30 districts in the state and found deep-seated frustration and discontent among people towards the incumbent govt then. It became evident that the state govt initiatives and programmes had failed to make a meaningful impact at the grassroots level. Implementation of govt schemes was marred by bias, leading to unequal distribution of benefits among the populace. Moreover, corruption had become pervasive, further eroding the effectiveness of govt initiatives.
Were you the CM here, how differently would you have approached?
There was a shortage of basic needs. People were deprived of ‘bijli, sadak, aur paani’. There is a huge shortage of teachers in schools. I saw in primary schools, students sitting on the floor. During my district tours, people would often complain about teacher shortage. It’s the responsibility of every govt to provide education and basic healthcare, to ensure doctors are available to treat. Our people are not very demanding. They have very small needs. Their demands are very basic. It was the responsibility of the govt to fulfil those demands. But the past govt didn’t.
What is your expectation from the new BJP govt here?
It’s not just me. The entire population of Odisha has high hopes and aspirations from the new govt. I have full confidence that it will live up to people’s expectations. I am sure the govt will protect and promote Odia Asmita, Odia culture and fulfil people’s aspirations. Every native of Odisha is proud of being an Odia. In villages, the govt needs to ensure basic requirements. Schools must have teachers. The govt has to ensure safe drinking water for people. There should be enough irrigation in the state. Odisha has three ports and 12 big rivers. During my tours, when I used to meet farmers, they would tell me there is no irrigation facility.
What are your suggestions?
Instead of big dams, we should have small irrigation projects. There should be maximum possible check dams and focus on lift and drift irrigation. Such projects would take less time to complete and start giving benefits to the farmers early. They should be in a position to harvest two to three crops in a year. Currently, they are depending mostly on one crop in a year. Migration is a big problem because of this. If there is two to three crops, migration will stop. There should be more cottage industries. Self-help group women here make many products. They need proper market linkage. There is a need for better packaging and marketing. So that these are sold across the globe.
What are the challenges before tribals?
For a long time after India got independence, tribals did not develop the way they should have. Basic needs such as drinking water, motorable roads and power… There was no focus on them earlier the way it should have been. In the past 10 years, however, massive development of tribals is taking place. The Centre has been aggressively pursuing initiatives to ensure healthcare and education for tribes and electricity for every household. Eklavya Vidyalayas have revolutionized tribal education. States have also been coming out with various schemes for them. In Odisha, this is a new govt. I am sure the state govt will focus on tribals. Tribals need to be on a par with others on development parameters, so that there is vikshit Bharat.
Where do you see Odisha in the next five years?
A stable govt of 10 years is required. A double engine govt has been formed. Within the next 10 to 15 years, Odisha will have the capacity to become the most developed state in India. Odisha has untapped potential. PM Narendra Modi has spoken about the development of eastern India for development of India… Whether it’s Odisha or any other state in eastern India, it is the responsibility of the parties in power to work for development with people’s participation. Govts have to prepare policies, which become effective at the ground level. Implementation of schemes needs to reach the people. Odisha doesn’t have shortage of resources. People are very simple here. They are easily content with small things. I appeal to the people of Odisha to think big and dream big. They should expand their horizons further.
Your message to youths and students?
Youths are the nation’s power. In the past 10 years, the govt has been focusing on skill development of the youth. Globally, there is demand for skilled workers. Opening of a skill development ministry has helped us create a large pool of skilled manpower. Startup India and Standup India and Mudra Yojana have helped empower youth. The PM’s call to youth to become job givers instead of job seekers is fast turning into reality. Unemployment is no doubt a problem. But it’s impossible to provide govt jobs for everyone. That’s why, with a long-term vision, Prime Minister Modi focused on initiatives to sprout innovations.
