Delhi’s Women and Child Development Minister Rakhi Birla, is hailed no less than a celebrity in her locality at Mangolpuri. At 26, she is the youngest and the only Woman Minister in the Delhi Cabinet, but that does not stop her from being blunt and upright. In a candid conversation with Sweta Goswami, Birla shared the experience of her meteorite rise from the narrow lanes of Mangolpuri to heading three departments in the Delhi Government, her commitment to make Delhi safe for women and chalking out a plan for the beggars in the Capital.
You have been given the portfolios of women and child development, social welfare and language. What tops your priority listIJ
My main focus is women’s security. Ever since I assumed office, I have been out every night to observe dark and sensitive areas across the city. We prepared a list of such areas — they would be lighted up and security would be enhanced in those places. The Security Commando Force we promised in our manifesto also is fast taking shape. The announcement of the force which will comprise retired army officers, youth and women too will be done in a few days.
We have already announced creation of 45 night shelters for the homeless. Apart from this, doing something for the beggars is also on my agenda. The Supreme Court has said that beggary is not a crime. I am holding regular meetings on a suitable plan for them.
law and order does not come under the ambit of Delhi Government. So how do you plan to co-ordinate and make the scenario betterIJ
It was because of this that we demanded complete statehood for Delhi. But so far, I have not faced any hurdle when it comes to coordinating with the police. I recently met Delhi Police Commissioner BS Bassi, and the discussion was positive. Moreover, during my rounds at night I ensure to take police officials along with me so that together we can tackle the problems which come our way.
You emerged as a giant killer by defeating Congress stalwart and four-time MlA from Mangolpuri, Raj Kumar Chauhan. What worked in your favourIJ
Firstly, it was the Arvind Kejriwal factor coupled with the anger that was brewing inside the masses for long. Secondly, it was because of the hard work of volunteers in my constituency. Thirdly and most importantly, it was because of my father (Bhupinder Singh Bidhlan), who is a social worker and was associated with the Congress party. Everyone in Mangolpuri knows him by his name and the good work he has done. Being his daughter worked in my favour.
What are the issues people face in Mangolpuri constituencyIJ
The 18 points of our manifesto are issues which concern every area of Delhi. It affects every strata of the society, be it rich or poor. But if I have to be precise, then Mangolpuri badly needs better sanitation facilities.
From being an Aam Aadmi to being not so aam, how has the experience been so farIJ
The experience has been good. But I would like to emphasise that it has been a big learning experience for me. People say things like I am the youngest minister or I am the only woman in the Cabinet, but I believe anyone who is hard-working and has the right attitude can achieve what I have.
It is usually said that an election is won because people have reposed faith in you. But I would put it otherwise, before elections my party believed in me by choosing me as a candidate. Once I won, now, people have reposed their faith in me. The transition and importance gained over the past six months is huge.