Maharashtra: Minister of State Ranjit Patil talks about global fight against terror

With a series of terror attacks rocking Mumbai in the last decade, the United States (US) has included the city in a first-of-its-kind initiative, Strong Cities Network (SCN). The network, launched on September 29 at the United Nations (UN), aims at creating an international hub to systematically strengthen strategic planning, policies and practices among local government practitioners involved in building community resilience against violent extremism.

The SCN will include an International Steering Committee (ISC) of 25 cities and other sub-national entities from different regions. dna's Naziya Alvi Rahman speaks to Minister of State (Home) Ranjit Patil, after he returned on Saturday from a two-day event regarding the initiative. Edited excerpts:

ow that you are a member of the SCN, how do you see the city benefiting from it?

This is a forum of 25 major cities, which are economically vibrant and have witnessed a terror act, and have come together to discuss solutions to the common problem of extremism. The Maharashtra government has taken several initiatives in this regard, which we shared on the international platform and received positive feedback from everyone. Similarly, there were a few ideas shared by other cities, and we found them exciting.

Will you elaborate what ideas of handling radicalisation by other cities caught your attention, and might be implemented in Mumbai?

Minneapolis city, for instance, has started counselling centers for de-radicalisation. These centers are set up in areas where the government senses the possibility of youth getting influenced by radical elements. Counsellors approach family members of such youths and urge them to avert the danger before it strikes. They are advised to keep a watch on their wards' behaviour, emails, mobile phones and so on. Also, anti-radicalisation lectures are organised at colleges and schools. This is something we can aim at replicating, if needed.

What are a few major reforms that we can expect after this meeting?

Even before this initiative, we had been working on fighting extremism to our best. Our proposed policy on de-radicalisation caught everyone's attention at the meeting in New York. In fact, London-based Institute for Strategic Dialogue, which is a partner at SCN, sent us a request seeking copy of our draft policy. At local level also, we are in the process of setting up a Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT), exclusive to Maharashtra, to combat nuisance on social media.

You also hold the additional charge of the Ministry of Skill Development And Entrepreneurship, and in your speech, mentioned that as a measure to fight against extremism. How so?

I believe an empty mind is devil's workshop. It is very important to provide opportunities for skill development and jobs to youth to keep them from wandering towards extremism. We are working on policies where we can give concessions or discounts to vulnerable sections for skill development.

The Home department's sudden decision to transfer and promote Mumbai Police Chief Rakesh Maria before his term attracted criticism from almost all sections of the media. Do you think it was an abrupt decision?

Not at all. It is routine for the government officers to get promoted and transferred. In fact, the Home department and Maharashtra police should be praised for handling the law and security of the state so well, in the backdrop of the Yakub Memon's case verdict.