Instead of debating, it’s action time for BJP’s chief ministerial candidate Kiran Bedi. Just over a week into politics and Bedi is already weighing her words carefully. But, that does not keep the confident former IPS officer from expressing her vision 2020 for Delhi. In conversation with Sweta Goswami, Bedi talks of transforming the transport sector while highlighting the importance of women’s security in the Capital.
Delhi has experienced a woman Chief Minister for 15 years where a lot of development work was indeed taken up. How differently do you see yourself from Sheila Dikshit and why should Delhiites choose you as their Chief MinisterIJ
I do not have to differentiate myself from anybody. In fact, the difference is already visible ever since the 2013 Assembly elections. The people of Delhi are very intelligent and they can weigh the good and the bad. I have 40 years of administrative experience which I will put to full use if the BJP is voted to power. I have already done my homework when it comes to the needs of the Capital and I have been tweeting about most of my plans as well.
Delhi is plagued by multiplicity of authority. How do you plan to resolve the issueIJ
Enforcement or delivery of services is in the hands of the Government. As the Chief Minister I will first bring together various departments of the Government. Every month all the departments would sit together for an analysis. Brainstorming would help in drawing clear boundaries for various machineries of the Government. My aim would be to stop the “blame game” between departments and to identify who is wrong in order to bring in more accountability. The findings of the analysis will be aired on the radio. The Chief Minister would deliver it. Besides, the PWD may need a revamp as would the Traffic Police.
What if we see only analysis and no implementation being doneIJ
When you analyze, decisions are taken. If you do not dissect, how would you know what went wrongIJ Doesn’t a doctor send patients for tests, see the reports and then prescribe medicines and again call them back to check if the medicines workedIJ I’ll give you an example, my PHD was in drug abuse and domestic violence and I found that 90 per cent of domestic violence is because of drug abuse. So to stop domestic violence we have to first prevent drug abuse. That’s how it is to be done. Moreover, I or the Chief Secretary will personally go for inspections of various departments every morning at 9 am. All this looks very different but it’s the right form of governance and I am not a stranger to it.
What about the transport sectorIJ
The first thing that I would do is to introduce a Common Mobility Card for DTC buses and the Delhi Metro. I am told that the DMRC has already implemented this for its feeder buses and metro riders. DTC buses should have a card swiping machine for making payments like the Metro. The concept is already in place in many other countries. I would emphasise the use of public transport for which one step would be to increase the number of feeder buses.
Any idea to reduce the cases of road rageIJ
Don’t be surprised if you see an effective Traffic Management Board if we come to power. Every year over 1,600 lives are lost in the city due to road rage. The Traffic Management Board will be headed by the lieutenant-Governor and will have engineers, municipal agencies, experts and the traffic police as members. We would also have a 24-hour grievance cell for any issue which could even be connected to an Intelligence agency.
We already know women’s security is going to be your top priority. What else is on your listIJ
It is extremely important that I explain my agenda for women’s security again because this is one issue which is hitting every resident. There will be six-Ps — People, Police, Politician, Prosecution, Prison and Press — which would be guided by a six-S formula — Surakshit (Safe), Swachchh (Clean), Saksham (Competent), Sanskaari (Cultured) and finally Sabka Delhi (Delhi belongs to everyone). We have to work on the mindset of the people which will come only through education.
In that case, would you want to keep the Education Department to yourself if your party wins the electionsIJ
Oh yes. I would like that move. My aim is to bring in 100 per cent literacy in Delhi. Training in self-defense can be made compulsory. Besides, schools can be turned into polytechnic institutes after classes are over and children are gone. It would help the youth as they would make themselves more employable.
How is your campaigning going for the February 7 pollsIJ
It is an enthralling experience. It feels nice that people as well as the party are very happy with what’s happening.
lastly, did you choose BJP or did the BJP choose youIJ
This is something which will forever stay in my heart and I am never going to let it out.