Former Minister in Odisha Government and Governor-designate of Jharkhand Draupadi Murmu, who is going to be the first woman Governor of the State, sounds excited to take on the challenges of manning the post in accordance with the provisions laid by the Constitution of India. The 51- year-old ‘first lady’ considers herself close to the people of Jharkhand and feels that she would be able to discharge her duties more efficiently in the State that appears to be identical with Odisha in terms of demographic and geographical features. Before joining active politics in 1997, Murmu also served as a teacher and a social worker at Rairangpur in Mayurbhanj district of Odisha in the early phases of her life.
The Governor-designate talked to The Pioneer briefly about issues concerning Jharkhand and her possible role as a Governor of the State. Excerpts:
How does it feel to be appointed as the first woman Governor of JharkhandIJ Do you credit it to the Narendra Modi Government’s another step towards women empowermentIJ
It feels very nice to get an opportunity to serve the people from a Constitutional post. Today’s women are not behind men in any field. The concept of gender discrimination is fading in the society. Women are as good as men in all respects and Jharkhand is a newer State so someone has to be the first man or woman on the post. Fortunately, I have been chosen for the responsibility and that gives great feeling to the women across the country. The Government at the Centre is doing well. The step might be credited as their effort to empower women in the country. I am thankful to the Government of India.
Have you ever been to JharkhandIJ How do you think is the state in comparison to OdishaIJ
I have visited Jharkhand on many occasions for personal reasons. It’s a beautiful State with rich fauna and flora. There are forests, waterfalls and beautiful valleys and hills. Sadly, the State has not been able to make it a prominent tourist hub.
What ails JharkhandIJ What can be done to speed up the development worksIJ
Jharkhand is rich in minerals just like Odisha. The economy of Jharkhand is mineral based. I think the root cause of the problems in Jharkhand is corruption and political instability. A new government has stepped in and the pace of development has also increased but you need to consistently monitor the development works. Once I take charge I can study the development schemes there and give my suggestions to the government for the purpose.
You are also the first tribal person to be designated as the Governor of a state where tribal sentiments are taken into account for making crucial decisions. How do you think the tribal population of Jharkhand would be benefitted more with government schemesIJ
Yes. Of course being a tribal person I can understand the sentiments of the people of Jharkhand. I can understand their problems, their agonies and suggest best measures for their uplift so that they can be brought into the mainstream. The fruits of development schemes must reach the marginalized sections. The government must take this into account and bring in the priority list.
What steps will you take to improve higher education as the Chancellor of UniversitiesIJ
It is too early to say. I will have to be aware of the ground realities of education system in Jharkhand. I also need to study the socio-cultural aspects of the state. Once I get in tune with the system I will be able to advise practical solutions to the issues in the State. I have heard that Jharkhand is a vibrant state in technical education but students migrate for higher studies.
We have to see the root cause of the problem. Then only we will be able to solve it.
How challenging is it to be the Governor of a politically unstable state like JharkhandIJ
The role of the Governor is to work according to the provision laid by the Constitution. I will try my best to discharge duties staying on the post. The new government looks stable and in the given circumstances instability looks distant. However, I have to ensure that the government acts under the ambit of the Constitutional provisions.