JOIN USI have waged a war against corruption: Nitish Kumar
A massive crackdown has been launched to weed out corruption. Leading from the front is chief minister Nitish Kumar, who has asked all his ministers and officials to declare their assets by January 31.
In an interview with Abhay Kumar of Deccan Herald, Nitish Kumar, who was declared the ‘Indian of the Year’ recently, also dwelt at length on how he scored a landslide victory and the roadmap he has for Bihar’s development in the next five years. Excerpts:
Had you anticipated such a massive mandate... winning more than 4/5th of the Assembly seats?
To be very honest, I had. During my Vikas Yatra, when I interacted with the people in rural hinterland, I found 90 per cent of the people were highly satisfied with the good governance. Only 10 per cent had some or other grievances.
What exactly turned the tide in your favour?
There were many factors. But the most important was improvement in law and order situation. After we established the rule of law, we focussed on women empowerment. Like for example, 50 per cent reservation for women in panchayat elections, school uniform to girl students, bicycles to girls. Nearly 54 per cent of women turned up to cast their votes this time. And they voted on their own, irrespective of what their spouses might have suggested.
Now that the people have reposed confidence in you, what will be your thrust areas?
Education, health and power. We will ensure that the quality of education improves. For this to happen, quality teachers will be appointed. Earlier, we focussed on school dropouts. This time we will launch schemes for class I to class VIII boys and girls separately, besides focussing on class IX to XIIth students. Similarly, in health sector, we will set up a health corporation followed by new hospitals so that MRI and scan can be done in districts itself.
What about power?
In the next one year, NTPC’s Barh unit will be able to generate 1960 mw, out of which Bihar will get its share. Similarly, Nabinagar plant where NTPC, Railways and BSEB have a tripartite agreement, 1960 MW will be generated in the next couple of years. Besides, Kanti and Barauni thermal power plants too will enhance their production.
What steps have you taken to woo many of the potential investors, who had been waiting for the Bihar poll results?
In my previous term, new roads were laid out. This time, power will be made available. Law and order has improved thereby making a conducive atmosphere for anyone to invest here. I have been told that Assocham has planned to hold an investors’ summit in April 2011.
What about higher education? People still prefer to go to Bangalore and Pune to study engineering, medicine or law...
A new education hub is coming up in Mithapur area of Patna, where you will have Chanakya Law College, Chandragupta Institute of Management, NIFT and other colleges. Besides, Arya Bhatta University is being set up, which will have different courses for different students.
Of late, there has been a spurt in crime including kidnapping of school children...
True, but those who had been kidnapped, have also been traced in no time. I have strictly told the police there should be no laxity on the law and order front.
Your party MLA Sunil Pandey and his MLC brother have been charged with extortion, thereby tarnishing your image of Mr Clean...
After the police inquiry, it was found that the charges against the MLA were frivolous. But even then, let me clarify that during my rule, if anybody tries to break the law, he or she will be booked irrespective of his/her party affiliations.
You have also launched a crackdown against corrupt IAS and IPS officers?
Yes, I have waged a war against corruption by bringing in Bihar Special Court Act which gives the much-needed leeway to confiscate the property of corrupt officials in the midst of the trial. Not only officials, I have asked my ministers too to declare their assets. And the declaration has to be made every year. In fact, I too have declared my assets.
What about those rebel MPs in your party who campaigned against you from the Congress or RJD platform?
The people of Bihar have already punished them. Still, the matter has been referred to the party’s disciplinary committee.
Any message for people of Karnataka in general and Bangalore in particular?
People of Karnataka are the torch-bearers for us. They inspire us to move ahead and grow by leaps and bounds. I still remember how during the Kosi flood, the readers of Deccan Herald and Prajavani had contributed more than Rs 63 lakh to the CM’s Relief Fund. Today as we enter 2011, I would like to wish all of them a very happy and prosperous New Year.