I have a deep unshakeable bond with Rajasthan: Vasundhara Raje

Q: Looking back how would you evaluate the four years ? How satisfied are you with your performance ?

A: Four years is a very short period. I cannot say I am satisfied, it is work in progress. We have done some good work and with the continuation of programmes you will see Rajasthan upwardly mobile. We inherited a shaky economy. The four years have been used to change despondence to hope because of opportunities.

Q: You got a brute majority; how far have you been successful in fulfiling the expectations of the people ?

 A: My connect with the people is constant. Our programmes and their implementation have been for the benefit of all sections. Going digital with our schemes is a major achievement. We are giving rations through POS machines, Bhamashah Swasthya Beema Yojna has helped provide better health care. The Mukhymantri Jal Swavlamban Yojna has been a success story that is heartening. People have come forward to support it. At the same time we have launched intra state air connectivity. Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Kota, Ajmer are connected through air. The list can go on.       

Q: How many announcements that made have been completed ? What is your biggest success ? What achievements can you cite ?

A: We did not make enormous announcements. We have some 10-15 flagship schemes that are aimed to benefit the common people. We are assiduously following their implementation. The Bhamashah Yojna, Annapurna, Nyay Aaapke Dwar and Rajshri are schemes that have reached out to people to make a difference. Our programmes have been covering the various stages where state intervention is required to provide necessary support and bring the needy under state intervention.

The schemes are also very encompassing. For example; A woman gets vaccinations when she is expecting a baby; the baby too gets vaccinated; the girl child gets financial benefit on completing school; scooties are provided to assist movement to education places. Over a span of several years these focused interventions through programmes bring concrete positive results.           

Q: What can one expect from the 5th Budget of this tenure ? What populistic works will be done keeping the election in mind ?      

A: In the next budget, announcements will be minimalised. The budget will be about implementations. We will use the money to complete pending works. Our focus will on delivery. 

Q: Don’t you think hate crime incidents like the Rajsamand put forward need for tightening up of law and order situation ? 

A: I condem such acts. We will not tolerate them. Immediate action was taken in the Rajsamand case, and let me tell you, all people irrespective of their caste community are equal before us.   

Q: What would you consider is the biggest achievement of this tenure ?

A: The contact that has been established with the people is a major achievement. I have been meeting people through the Mukhymantri Jansamwad Karyakram and hearing them first hand. It is a learning experience. Action is being taken on spot. The Jhunjhunu ration issue is a very recent example. The message has gone out that those not performing duties will be penalized.

Q: But is not too late?

A: We started with Sarkaar Aapke Dwar, but that was too huge. We trimmed it to Aapka Zila Aapki Sarkaar. We further trimmed it to Mukhymantri Jansamwad where I myself go to a district for three days and sort out people’s problems at hand. Now only 17 districts are to be visited. I am enjoying it as I am meeting people personally and solving their problems.

Q: When is Prime minister expected to lay foundation stone for the refinery?

A: We have requested for the Prime Minister’s time and we expect him to come in January.

Q: The government is facing litigations related to decisions that should have been taken; for example the one about vacant posts in the boards and commissions. When will they be filled ?

A: We have been making appointments. But this is a continuous process. The posts that remain vacant will be filled soon.

Q: Is there any chance of next edition of Resurgent Rajasthan in last year of your government?

A: In my first stint as chief minister I made mistake by holding the event in 2008 which was last year of the government. So the succeeding government scrapped the MoU signed in the event. In the current tenure the event was organized in 2015 so the MoUs could be implemented. Now see the result we are implementing them successfully. So, no Resurgent Rajasthan this year.

Q: Doctors are agitating, Government employees are striking over pay commission implementation. Why is this not being addressed?

A: In a democracy all have a right to put across their opinion. But doctors have to address their human responsibilities too. As for the employees they are our backbone and I have always been with them, even during the implementation of the sixth pay commission. As a part of our family, they But they too will have to understand our financial conditions.

Q: There have been several communal incidents across the state what is the reason?  

A: The government is committed to control all such incidents immediately. The police has done a good job in containing the incidents. I congratulate the police.

Q: Cow vigilantism and crimes related to cattle smuggling are on the rise. What is the reason?

A: We do not support any illegal acts. Action will be taken against all wrong doers. We are committed to this and it reflects in the action we have taken.

Q: Padmavati controversy has prompted you to ban the film in the state. How fair is it?

A: Padmini is an issue of pride not just for Rajasthan but for the entire country. We support an artist’s right to expression, but injury to our dignity will not be accepted. We have merely respected public sentiment.

Q: There is much talk about you not sharing cordial relations with the Centre and also about you being called to the Centre. What is the truth ?

A: Rajasthan is surging ahead and scaling new heights of progress. As for having a troubled relation with the Centre; even I hear such talks. I heard it all through last tenure and all these four years. But, see I have a deep unshakable bond with Rajasthan. That cannot be severed. And my efforts will be for the betterment of the people of the State. 

Q: What is the government’s intent on loan waiver to farmers?

A: We are committed to supporting farmers. A committee has been set up that is in the process of studying various models of loan waivers in different states. On basis of their report we will work out the waiver.       

Q: What are the expectations from the bypolls ?

A: We continue to be tested and I believe we will return in these areas.

Q: Congress has turned out to be a formidable opponent in Gujarat. Who will win the Gujarat, Rajasthan next year and the Parliamentary polls after that ?

A: Undoubtedly we will win in Gujarat and Rajasthan and form a government again at the Centre.