Prof. Prem Kumar Dhumal is the only non-Congress Chief Minister to have such a long inning. He completed two years of his second term on December 30, 2009. He is considered to be the most accessible to the aam aadmi. Under his stewardship the state has won many national awards. For Organiser weekly Amba Charan Vasishth spoke to Shri Dhumal recently. Excerpts:
What are your major achievements in the last two years?
When I took over, the economy of the state was in shambles and so was the law and order situation. My government enforced the twin principles of rule of law and equality before law by ushering in an era of total transparency, fairness, and equality. We provided a role model of participative democracy where government is in reality a government of the aam aadmi. We have provided numerous financial and social benefits to almost every section of the society, particularly the neglected sections.
What is your immediate focus?
My stress will be at achieving the targets of Sadak-Shiksha-Swasthaya, Swarojgar Swablamban aur Swabhiman set by us. Our government is making sincere efforts to make people live with dignity and honour.
How far has your dream project Manali-Leh railway line progressed?
I am pursuing it vigorously with the Union Government and drawing attention towards construction of this strategically important, viable and economical Pathankot-Mandi-Manali-Keylong-Leh Railway line, especially in the face of the communication network raised by the neighbouring country. The project would not only transport men and material to the border areas in Laddakh region but also expose the virgin valley to tourists. The Government of India has agreed in principle to consider the project, yet it is moving at a snail’s pace. At my initiative, Defence Ministry has thrown its weight behind the project and a favourable decision is expected in the near future.
Since you assumed the stewardship in Himachal, BJP has made great inroads into Shimla district considered to be the pocket borough of Congress and Union Minister, Shri Virbhadra Singh. What would you say?
To maintain its hold over the old areas of the state, Congress has been misguiding the people by spreading the canard that the BJP was against some areas. Impression was created among the public that if they will vote for the BJP, their development would come to a stand still. In fact, the BJP government never discriminated against any area. It was the Congress which tried to create a wedge between old and new areas just to make political capital. This has helped the Congress in the past. But the successive BJP governments disproved this false, malicious propaganda by taking up speedy developmental projects. The people of old Himachal have now realised the Congress game and openly telling that the BJP is their best, trusted and tried friend. That is why we have been able to make the Congress fortresses fall to BJP. We have won Rohru, Jubbal-Kotkhai & Shimla assembly seats. The BJP has also created history by winning the Shimla Lok Sabha seat.
What is the source of your political strength in the State?
Basically, the people of Himachal Pradesh are the sole source of my strength and that of the government. In seven years as Chief Minister of the State I have come to the conclusion that sincerity and honesty helps to win the confidence of the people.
According to the reports, the Government of India is re-thinking to file a revised affidavit in the Hon’ble Supreme Court for the grant of 12 percent free power to Himachal Pradesh in the Hydro Electric Projects in the State that has been commissioned before 1990. What would you say?
It is legitimate right of the state to earn revenue out of its natural potentials for long term exploitation. We have raised the demand for 12 per cent free power in lieu of displacement of people due to construction of projects and the distress caused to them. We have demanded 12 per cent free power in all BBMB Hydro Electric Projects executed prior to 1990 and where the state is getting only token power. Thousands of families were uprooted and their fertile lands submerged into the reservoir waters. The state has been forced by the discriminatory attitude of the Union Government to knock at the door of Hon’ble Supreme Court to get justice to the people of the State. I hope the Central Government would realise the legitimate demand for 12 per cent free power to the State.
There are some inter-state problems between Himachal and Punjab. How far have you moved towards resolving the same?
As of now, there is no major inter-state problem. On assuming the office, I called on my counter part in Punjab, Sardar Prakash Singh Badal, and a high level meeting was held to resolve all pending issues between both the States. Now Baddi-Barotiwala area of Himachal is being connected directly with Chandigarh through Punjab to substantially shorten the distance between both the destinations. We have mutually agreed to construct a rope-way connecting Anandpur Sahib with Naina Devi shrine to give boost to religious tourism. In the near future the industrial area of Baddi-Barotiwala-Nalagarh would be connected through expressway with the upcoming international airport at Mohali in Punjab. Remaining pending issues are also under active consideration of both the states and amicable solution could be foreseen.
Have you been able to give adequate representation to youth and women in your government?
Of course, women and youth have been given due representation in my Government. Our Government has provided 50 per cent reservation to the women in Panchayati Raj Institutions and urban local bodies. Other states, and even Centre, has followed us in this respect.
What are the main challenges before your government?
The biggest challenge, I consider, in the prevailing circumstances, is to keep prices of essential commodities under control so that common man does not suffer. Educated unemployed youth need to be provided employment. Speedy and uniform development of the entire state by creating strong network of basic amenities like road, drinking water, health, education facilities etc., is my top priority.
One of the main reasons why common people throng to meet you and other ministers is the fact that their demands and grievances do not get reasonably redressed at the tehsil and district level. Have you evolved any strategy to ensure that people get justice at their door steps in village and town itself?
Redressing aam aadmi’s grievances is the topmost priority of my government. I have directed field functionaries at the grassroot level to give priority to the problems of the people. District level and senior officers have been directed to visit field areas within their jurisdiction to monitor the progress of developmental projects and listen to public grievances. I myself remain frequently on tour to different parts of the state where I make it a point to listen to public grievances. I do not leave a place till I have heard the last man wishing to meet me. A grievances cell has also been constituted at the state secretariat which monitors grievance of the people who can send their applications through e-mail and fax as well.
You have been laying great stress on environment protection and carbon credits. How far have you been successful and helped by the Government of India in this direction?
Himachal Pradesh happens to be the pioneer state in the world in raising the Carbon Credits issue to compensate the state for absorption of the green house gases caused by the industrially developed countries responsible for global warming and climate change. I have raised the environment issues at every forum to draw the attention of environment conscious society towards the fast approaching global warming problem. We have created mass awareness programes amongst all sections of the society which has been lauded at national and international levels. We have successfully organised a number of national level seminars and conferences associating Himalayan states to join the crusade to save mighty Himalayas. I am fully satisfied with the progress made on this front.
You have won laurels in many fields pushing many forward states behind in certain fields. What would you say?
It is indeed a matter of great pride for the people of Himachal Pradesh that the state ranked at the top in almost all major sectors during past two years which is unprecedented and historic for the state. It was with the blessings of the people of Himachal Pradesh that our state has been adjudged Best Role Model for rest of the country. These national awards inspire my government to work still harder to keep the state always at the top.
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