Voicing concern over corruption, Governor of Uttar Pradesh Anandiben Patel said it tarnishes the image of the government. It is the responsibility of the government to ensure quality work, the governor said while talking to The Pioneer here on Wednesday. In a freewheeling interview, she talked about various issues ranging from empowerment of women to child education and from giving human touch to various government decisions like adopting TB-inflicted children to the government’s performance. She commended Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for improving law and order but had a word of caution for corruption in government functioning. Following are the excerpt of the interview:
As a governor, how do you see UP?
When I was in Gujarat, we used to see leaders of UP wielding guns. It was something new for us and we used to think why it is so because in Gujarat, we used to roam freely without any fear. When I came here, I realised that law and order was a big issue. Even elected representatives acted like criminals. Sometimes they even grabbed someone’s land or house, and there was no one to raise a finger.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has brought a change. He is strict and it was needed because there is a feeling in UP that the powerful can commit crime and go scot-free. A message should go across that MLAs and MPs are equally guilty if they commit a crime, and the CM has been able to convey this message effectively.
Government has expedited development but must ensure quality work. Corruption sullies the image of the government. In the Muradnagar incident, the construction cost went up from Rs 42 lakh to Rs 65 lakh and the contractor even paid Rs 16 lakh as bribe. Stern action should be taken against such contractors and officers. The CM has ordered recovery from such officers and this is a good decision.
Is Gujarat model in UP possible?
All the projects of a state cannot be replicated in another state, as every state has different social and geographical dynamics. But the scheme of making fertilisers and medicines from cow dung, which has been very successful in Gujarat, can be replicated in UP. Kanha Upvan has prepared a project under Gujarat model and will be started in UP as a pilot project. It will help in cleaning the villages and generating employment at the village level.
How do you see family touch to Raj Bhawan?
When I came to UP, I found the employees of Raj Bhawan a neglected lot. The kitchen used to be dirty. Being a woman, I wanted it to be clean. There was no communication among the employees with officers. I took the initiative and met family members and heard their complaints. They even told me about leaking toilet roofs. I called the officers and initiated repair work. I threw open the campus ground for children so that they could play there. I also purchased sports equipment. Now, the children of our staff and security personnel play together. I believe the Raj Bhawan compound is a village and we should have activity in this village. You cannot close the door and prevent interaction among people.
How to give a human face to the gubernatorial post?
If you want to bring a positive change in society, educate the children. If you want prosperity, provide quality education. Children inculcate good habits in primary schools. Catch them young and give them good education because educated children do not take part in illegal activities. When I came to UP, I heard about TB cases. I decided that employees of Raj Bhawan should adopt a TB-inflicted child. This scheme has clicked. Besides, I believe reading habits should be inculcated in children. We initiated the project in which over 9-10 lakh children participated.
What is the importance of improvement in education?
During the previous governments, the education was probably handed over to those with no vision. They did not set up infrastructure. How can you expect a government to build huge infrastructure in three years? However, the Yogi government has taken up the cudgels and is now setting up universities one after another. Education should not be privatised and government should run the education system. The universities have problems as they have hundreds of affiliated colleges under them. They are facing financial burden and the government should support them.