Experience as Home Secretary has been enriching: Rajiv Mehrishi

40 years ago when you joined Indian Administrative Service in 1978, did you think you will become the Union Home Secretary someday?

No. You can't predict this. I only aimed to do my job honestly and diligently.

Where have you lived mostly, Rajasthan or Delhi?

It was split between both places.

How was your experience in Rajasthan?

I stayed in Bikaner and the experience was very good because there was an opportunity to see everything there...but the financial health from 2004 to 2009 was not good. Unfortunately, there was less flexibility in work too. The power sector was in debt. While there were some problems, some good work done as well. The water campaign focusing on rivers of Rajasthan for example.

You worked with many CMs in Rajasthan. How would you rate Vasundhara Raje?

I cannot judge them, this is unfair. Raje is a visionary. She understands that government officials alone can't do the job; outsourced experts are needed to give inputs. One of her great achievement was that Rajasthan became the first state to reform of labour laws in 2005. Skill development was also her initiative. She started Skill Mission in 2005, whereas the Government of India announced it sometime in 2010-11.

Two years ago, on the day you were to retire, there was a miracle. You got an extension and were made Home Secretary...

It came as a surprise. I took time to adjust. But this was the will of the government, and I had to follow it.

Did someone play godfather or was it fate, or the grace of God?

God is Shrinath ji.

How do you like the Home-Ministry? Do you like Delhi?

Delhi is my home, I studied here. This is the fourth time I have been posted here. The experience has been enriching. The job is challenging and keeps me busy.

Rajnath Singh praises you...

This is his humility. I do not think that I am worthy of the praise. I am grateful for all the compliments.

I have heard that the government plans to give you another extension...

There is no rule or provision for this. Everyone must retire when the time comes.

There are talks that you may replace J&K Governor NN Vohra...

This is a speculation.

How did you manage to write a book given your hectic schedule?

Once, when a few Kashmiri children had come to meet the Prime Minister a girl had asked him how he manages to work 18 hours a day. The PM had said then that our work doesn't tire us, the thought of the impending work does. This is what inspired me.

How long did it take you to write the book?

Around 2 years. When I got this offer in 2015, I was nearing retirement. Had I retired then, it would have taken me hardly eight to nine months.

What is the book on?

India Year Book is a reference book, which is primarily meant for examinees.

You wrote a book for IAS aspirants. Why didn't you ask your children to join IAS as well?

My children have chosen their own path and they are happy about it. Civil service is not meant for everyone. One has to spend time in rural areas, plus salaries were not great earlier either.

In Delhi, it's said that you redefined the role of a Home Secretary. Now it's very powerful, Home, as well as the PMO. In Defense also Home Ministry has a role to play

Not true at all, we do our job. We have so much work, there is no question of increasing the work load.

What has been your biggest contribution as Home Secretary in the last 2 years?

We have tried to ensure peace in disturbed areas...Nowadays, the Northeast is calm. Terrorism and the killing of security personnel has also come down. The basic work of the Home Department is to ensure internal security.

The problem in Kashmir is not not restricted two and a half districts ... how big is the problem?

The problem is in South Kashmir and government is making efforts to fix it.

You had recently been to Srinagar. You met the Governor, Chief Secretary, and top army officers. What is your assessment after all these deliberations? What do you think?

It is not as big a problem as the media is reporting it. Jammu and Kashmir is an interesting state; the children are bright. Despite the disturbances in the last one year, 99 per cent children wrote their exams. Some became civil servants. They are good at sports. We want the youth of Kashmir to get more opportunities.

A man was tied to an Army jeep. The Army Chief said that the officer did the right thing, and he was also awarded...

I would not like to comment on this.

A young army officer was was killed when on vacation...

Whatever happened was unfortunate. This shows how vicious terrorism is.

What is the impact of surgical strikes?

I would not like to give any reply as this is also the Army's doing and they have already spoken about it.

The government said terror financing took a hit post demonetisation.

People with unaccounted money faced a setback. There is no doubt that it affected criminals.

Will this affect the morale of Gilani and other people ?

Home ministries cannot comment on what is under investigation.

What about security arrangements for Amarnath Yatra?

We will ensure that the Amarnath Yatra is peaceful and safe. So far we have come to the registration and the numbers seem to have increased from last time, it also indicates that it will be peaceful.

Lok Sabha bypolls in Kashmir are repeatedly getting adjourned.

The common man is scared of disturbances. Who will want to risk their lives? That's the reason we cannot have a free and fair election. There is an atmosphere of fear. And the Election Commission has postponed it keeping this in mind.

There is such a long blockade going on in Manipur. Have any step been taken to deal with it?

It is wrong to harass people by blocking road... We are trying to ensure an alternative route for Manipur, but it is also essential to settle the basic issues of the local people so that they live in peace.

People there expect the home ministry to take some tough steps.

We are bound by constitutional boundaries. We can only assist the state government, who has to solve the problem.

Is President's rule a solution for Kashmir?

President's rule or Governor's rule is not magic. The preferred way is for the state government to take control of the situation. And, in fact, it is doing a good job. I believe they be able to will control the situation.

What are your personal hobbies?

I have not left my morning exercise, but I have not seen any movie for the last 3 years. Even I have not gone out to a restaurant. I regret these.

You wrote a book on the atmosphere of violence. Do you, as an author, have any pain?

This country has not progressed as much as it should have done in the past 60 years... In my opinion, India should have been as prosperous as China. We have quantity, but lack quality. Do we have quality health care or education for our people?

Do you think Narendra Modi is emerging as a global leader?

With his vision and commitment, he will definitely give direction to India.