What’s your take on Maharashtra’s agriculture sector? Its share in GDP is dwindlingeach year...It’s true. We’re not giving that much focus on the agriculture sector. It’s a very vital sector. It has positive and negative effects on supplementary sectors. We should promote agriculture-based industries. Each newspaper should have dedicated journalists and pages for developmental, progressive stories. Innovative ideas should be brought into the agriculture sector.We should also focus on supplementary businesses such as animal husbandry, poultry, etc. It will help alleviate regional disparity and poverty. I want inclusive growth in all sectors.Was regional disparity the main reason to ban new state irrigation projects?After becoming the governor, I have travelled across the state by road whenever possible. It helped me understand the crucial issues. I interacted with local farmers and contractors who were working on irrigation projects in Vidarbha and Marathwada. It struck me though state has undertaken a massive number of irrigation projects, not a single one was completed on schedule. Most of them were staggering for the past two-three decades. The reason was funds crunch. The government was dumping huge amount of money everywhere and there were no result. So, I issued the advisory note to the state not to take new irrigation project unless they complete old ones. I was very strict about it and I have no vested interest. I also asked them to finish the projects on priority basis.What was the result?KS: Because of this stern decision, many projects in Vidharbha and Marathwada, which were stuck for several years, resumed. There should be equal distribution of funds and water. The state first supplies water for drinking purpose, then for crops and the industry. When I last went to Vidharbha, people were happy. They told projects are about to be completed. It will bring big relief to farmers in the suicide-prone region.Now, is there a growing demand that the ban should be lifted?KS: There is no question of lifting the ban. As per the advisory note, they can first finish the existing irrigation projects and can start new projects. They cannot leave projects midway. There should be some streamlining and discipline while undertaking the projects.On which areas the state government should focus most?KS: Quality of education is important to make citizens responsible. It will help them obtain jobs in emerging sectors. Poverty will be reduced automatically. Besides, state government should promote short-term vocational courses. We should have employment-oriented education in the state. It’s the need of the hour. At present, we can easily get doctors, engineers and IT professionals. It’s difficult to find electricians, motor mechanics, carpenters, plumbers etc. We have to scout for small-time professionals. Whatever training they acquire are through inheritance. At present, there is no school and college that conduct such courses. Actually, we should have dedicated vocational universities to run short-term courses for them. It will generate lot of employment.Besides quality of education and vocational courses, which areas worry you the most?KS: The state should do something for the homeless in the city. Most migrants sleep on footpath. We cannot stop migration. It will continue to happen. People will migrate to metros in search of jobs. I even had a word with Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray. He also has a similar view. Rather than making a hue and cry, we should provide them facilities and services. It will uplift them.What measures should the state undertake to curb growing migration within the state?KS: I have advised the state government to create industrial zones at industrially backward parts. We should avoid the concentration of several industries at one place --like Mumbai, Pune and Nasik – the famous triangle belt which are already developed and over- populated. We should have emerging small towns. There is no shortage of talent pool. They do not have the opportunities. Therefore, they have been migrating from small towns to cities. Once they start getting jobs near their residences, they will not. The shifting of industry will resolve housing and transport issues as well.Why are so much attacks happening on women? Where are we going wrong?KS: It is the responsibility of each parent to groom his or her child in a good way. Character-formation is very important. Children can get spoil easily. Parents need to pay attention. Girls and boys should respect each other. If some girls go out with boys for a picnic, then the boys should protect the girls. We should treat our mother as mother, sister as sister and friend as friend. It will create a conducive social atmosphere to build a healthy relationship. Once it happens, the crime ratio will automatically go down.What is your take on giving capital punishment to rapists or criminals?KS: Capital punishment will not stop attacks on women. The punishment has been there since the days of kings. Those who commit the crime earlier used to be mauled or made to be killed by elephant in public. But these harsh punishments didn’t bring down the crime rate. We need to change our mindset. What do you think about corruption? It has penetrated every strata of society and government.KS: I admit corruption is there, but not all politicians and bureaucrats are corrupt. The PDS is the main victim of corruption. We should strengthen the PDS by addressing all anomalies. I am for inclusive growth.

COMMERCIAL BREAK
SCROLL TO CONTINUE READING