Jip Interview
To many, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari is a sheer but ‘practical’ juggler with result-given ability, already amply-n-abundantly displayed to all and sundry (he doesn’t have any opposers). Full-fledged, full-time, today-top-priority ministries Road Transport, Highways, Shipping, Rural Development, Panchayati Raj are with him. He’s excelling in all of them with equal aplomb, say insiders in all these ministries. They have never known to be associated with such a multi-ability Minister before. …Nitin Gadkari’s ambitious roadmap for instance : Build 25km/day. This despite “We have lot of reservations from State government on Land Acquisition Act,” Gadkari. Nitin Gadkari juggling road transport, highways, shipping, rural development, Panchayati Raj, drinking water and sanitation ministries is finding it a tall order but that is only theoretical as practically, he is mighty enthusiastically completing projects in all these ministries under his charge. In an Exclusive interview with JUST IN Print, unabashed, practical, truthful, matter-of-factly Gadkari admits managing road development is tough. Because the situation gets very complicated in states. Last known, Gadkari called a meeting of state chief ministers and secretaries on this issue. They reached at a broad consensus on common points on Land Acquisition Act. Final call on changing or amending Land Acquisition Act will now of course be taken by Prime Minsiter Narendra Modi. The road transport minister also has ambitious Rs 12000 Cr plan to rebuild roads. He targets developing 25 kms of roads per day, with special focus on northeastern states. He also has plans to modernize “outdated” Motor Vehicles Act. Gadkari has assured that there would be no retraction with regard to NREGA as he wants to focus on most backward districts. (In the latter part of the interview, Gadkari like a true ‘Maharashtra-concerned VIP’ gives his mind on various facets of Maharashtra reading which may like him to next Maharashtra CM).
How are you managing diversely large ministries? Some say you perhaps have too much on your plate, so are you feeling the pressure?
To many it may be very difficult to manage ministry/ministries because of less Budget etc. For me, it is my ministry now and particularly of my liking with the subjects : road sector, inland waterways and shipping. I have already planned too many schemes for the same. They are being opened steadily now. Of course managing the rural development due to its vast expanse, width, demands is very difficult task but because of its ‘top priority importance’ today for the Government, Prime Minister Modijee. I am trying my level best to do it. I am working from 8:00 am upto 2 am.
Let me start by asking you about the ministry that you just talked about which you believe is most challenging and that is rural development ministry responsible for the large allocation of the Budget and welfare schemes of the government rules out, the Land Acquisition Act, one of the most controversial act but passed by the parliament. There has been a lot of talk on changes to the Land Acquisition Act. Are you proposing any amendments to the Land Acquisition Act?
I am just making the study of that act. Frankly speaking, we have too many reservations from the state government, particularly from the Chief Minister and the Finance Minister. During the meeting with Chief Ministers and Finance Minister, most feel that it will be very difficult for the state government to mange the industry, development, road sector and everything, so it will be a very complicated situation in the States.
What is the solution? Some are suggesting that perhaps the Centre will empower the state government to define the rules as far as the Land Acquisition Land is concerned. What can be the solution?
First of all, we have already decided to call a meeting of the Chief Ministers, the concerning Ministers, secretaries and we will consider their suggestions for the Act, further steps will be decided after that. I particularly feel that there is no problem regarding the compensation because it will be justified but as far as the procedural delays are concerned, lot of permissions will take too much time. If anyone starts any new industry, it actually takes five-six years to take the land and at the same time, we are very much committed for the poor people and particularly the agriculture community. I believe Bhumiputra should get the appropriate rates because when you are going to invest crores of rupees, the land cost is very less but the tendency is that everyone wants land with very cheap rate and at the same time, they are ready to pay more for the machinery and other things, this is not a good thing.
So you don’t intend to make any changes to compensation clauses but on the acquisition part, you are likely to move some amendments?
No, still I am not of any opinion and nor have I taken any decision about it. First of all, I will refer all these Acts to the state governments where we have federal system as some state governments belongs to UPA, Congress, while some to BJP but in the wider interest of the sector, I will consider their suggestions and thereafter, I will take that note and refer it to the Prime Minister and cabinet. The Prime Minister will take the decision and we will go ahead by his decision. As far as the compensation is concerned, there is no problem because the poor people whose land we have acquired, we should give them the appropriate value for that. Because of the existing laws, we have to give them other amenities as early as possible. Without that development, it is right that no government will give permission to start that project.
MANDAL AYOGACHE SAMARTHAN
In view of coming Maharashtra elections, why do you support of Mandal
Mee Mandal Ayogache Samarthan Kartoeh. I support the proposal to implement the Mandal Commission recommendations in Maharashtra that ensure educational, social, economic and cultural development of people from backward sections of society in the state. There is no caste mentioned on the forehead of a person when he or she is born. This caste is attached after the person is born. We all must commit ourselves to create such a situation in the welfare state where there shall be no discrimination on the basis of caste, money and on the basis of old traditions and rules. Everyone should get equal opportunities in this welfare state and that is the real formula of social transformation. Some sections in our society are economically backward. In order to do justice with such sections there is need to implement the recommendations of Mandal Commission.
Your views on Sarva Dharmiyana Saman Nagari Kayada Asava ?
Almost in all the nations for example Russia, China our Muslim brotheren live, but no where a separate law or a civil code for Muslim community exists. If the basic principle of our constitution i.e. “Equal Justice to all “ has to be implemented in true sense “ a common or uniform civil code for all religions is the need of the hour. This would be a symbol of progress and prosperity. Veer Sawarkar’s views on Hindutva were misinterpreted and earned criticism, but what I have learnt goes like this i.e. coming from or sharing the same roots we are all one, we are drops of the same huge ocean. Our ways of devotion may be different, but the feeling that “he is my brother“ we are all one makes every Hindu respect every religion. A true Hindu being against any other religion is unthinkable, after he has imbibed this mantra, of universal brotherhood.
How aggressively will you pursue your new economic policy given to Maharashtra during your last government ?
In our last Governance in Maharashtra, we had given new economic policy for the development of our state. Maharashtra State Roads Development Corporation has done work worth Rs four thousand crore. In spite of this, from time and again, there are some who have been trying to raise doubts on those work. This bridge is not proper; there is corruption in this work etc. Now, there is Congress-NCP government in place, the secretaries are theirs, ministers are theirs. They can get inquiry done from them. I for one can not go back to that debate now, since I know such a criticism is required when you are in the opposition. We took money from private investors for the development of the state. Maharashtra State Roads Corporation needed Rs four hundred crore. When we issued bonds for this purpose, we received Rs 1150 crore. The bond issue was over subscribed. After that, when needed Rs 450 crore again, we received Rs 1050 crore from the private investors. Now when you need money for Krishna Valley Project, people are not giving you money.
Your views on power in Maharashtra? ,
Instead of inviting foreign power companies, we should permit small power plant of 100 MW or 150 MW in an investment of about 3.5 crore per mega watt in all corners of Maharashtra. Western coal fields Ltd is on the verge of closure. No one is ready to buy coal from them It is an easy process to produce power out of coal. Vidarbha fortunately has huge quantity of coal deposits
I would like to say this that all those who are ready and willing should be permitted to produce power, I would emphasise on this. The procedure for this must be made simple. Such enterpreneurs must be encouraged. power produced form coal can be made available at 90 paise per unit which is undoubtedly very cheap.
Apparently you are all for education-for-all in Maharashtra?
Yes. In education holistic, coordinated and united ways are adopted, applied on unified approach for education right from primary to post graduate level. I recommend the (state) government taking of steps for setting up a state level Education Commission with the statutory status. 1 crore 33 lakh students are receiving primary education in Maharashtra. Education is a powerful tool for constructive future. The expenditure incurred on education is the investment in future. The society is going to emerge from that. How is the education system in our state is an important fact, to enhance the cultural, moralistic and political readiness of our state. The state has opened primary school is villages and small acloves to ensure availability of primary education to all children. Primary,secondary,higher secondary and college education has covered a vast expanse of our state. I express my satisfaction for the same.