Having political experience of over two decades, veteran BJP activist Ravinder Jugran has being actively contributing to raising voice for improving the socio-economic status of Statehood activists and of weaker sections of the society.
Among the various issues that have been highlighted by him to gain the attention of the State Government, recognition of Statehood activists tops the tally. Jugran is also labelled as one of the pillars of society, who contributed a lot for the formation of Uttarakhand and he, along with thousands of Statehood activists, toiled hard to help form Uttarakhand on November 9, 2000.
During his early days in politics, Jugran also acted as general secretary of DAV (PG) College students' union in 1990-91 (academic-year) and due to his hard work and introducing beneficiary schemes for the students, held the post of president of the same in 1992-93 (academic-year).
He also held various posts in the BJP, including Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha in-charge, Garhwal division (1998-99), BJYM State vice-president (1999-02), BJYM State general-secretary (2002-04) and its state vice-president (2004-07).
The last post Jugran held was chairman of Rajya Nirman Andolankari Samman Parishad. In an exclusive interaction, The Pioneer tried to find out the current challenges being faced by Uttarakhand.
Why are you consistently agitating for the welfare of Statehood activistsIJ
Although most of the Statehood activists got recognition for their work, few are left. Indeed, it is a matter of shame for the State Government bureaucracy that they are living in isolation. The list issued by the State Government clearly highlighted that 12,000 Statehood activists are living across the State and number could further shoot up, if the Government takes effective steps to recognise them.
Do you think the appointment of Gujarat Chief Minster Narendra Modi as chairman of BJP election campaign committee for the 2014 general elections by party high command is a right moveIJ
There is no doubt that Gujarat CM Narendra Modi is a dynamic man with a vision for development. During his more than one-decade governance in Gujarat, the State has witnessed tremendous development in terms of infrastructure like rail, road, air etc., medical and administrative colleges, health and family welfare, agriculture. Besides, during his tenure as CM and while bringing dozens of beneficiary projects to the ground level, no one has even thought of cornering him on corruption grounds.
So, does it mean that you portray him as next Prime Minister of the country, if NDA is voted to power in the general elections slated to take place next yearIJ
Since he has a vision and is a good planner, he could prove extremely beneficial for pushing the country further on the path of development. Indians need an efficient, thinking and dynamic leader to lead the country so that the problems being faced by the common man could be curtailed in the coming days.
Whom will you opt for as next Prime Minister of the country, if NDA is voted to power in 2014 general electionsIJ
Both BJP veteran leader lK Advani and Narendra Modi are fully capable to lead the allies and to draft plans for the development of the country and both leaders enjoy a clean image not only in the party, but also among common man. But lK Advani has advantage in terms of having parliamentary experience of more than four decades and would prove beneficial for the overall development of the country, whereas Modi can become next PM in the later stages of politics. We should not forget that both leaders are assets for the country.
Do you think that the Congress-led State Government has introduced enough steps for the development of UttarakhandIJ
It is a matter of concern that Congress rule in Uttarakhand has become a bane for our State. The State Government and bureaucracy lacks better coordination due to which development activities have come to a halt in the State. Among the worst affected areas of the State are mountainous parts of Uttarakhand as these areas severely lack potable water, road, medical and health, schools and colleges. The State Government is yet to issue directives to the bureaucracy to force them to visit the higher parts of the state so that grievances being faced by those villagers, who are living in the fringe areas of state could be redressed by the Government.
You are considered as one of those politicians who started career from college union elections and went to the jail for over a week. How will you rate the current students' *politicsIJ
Students' politics have changed a lot. Students turned politicians should also draft plans for the development of their colleges and should take ample of steps for sensitising masses on various social issues.
You went to jail over six times for agitating on various issues like Statehood agitation, teachers’ scam in Uttarakhand etc. and served nearly 100-day jail term. Besides, dozens of cases were also registered against you for raising voice against the State Government. Do you think that purpose has been met by the creation of Uttarakhand over a decade agoIJ
No, it is a matter of concern that Uttarakhand lacks basic amenities and the situation is worse in the higher parts of the state. It is a matter of concern that those villagers who are living at the border areas are forced to migrate for job to other cities of the country. The State Government should bring more industries to state for improving the socio-economic status of the villagers.
The Union Government has recently declared Gangotri as an 'Eco-Sensitive' zone. Do you think it is beneficial for the villagersIJ
I seriously think that the Union and State Governments should create awareness among the villagers on merits and demerits of eco-sensitive zone. As a common man, I believe that construction is banned, but people are not aware of the other side of coin.