Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): Chief Minister Mohan Yadav is completing one year in office. In one year, Yadav has taken several decisions on important issues pending for a long time. Whether it is related to setting up Ratapani Tiger Reserve or to the Ken-Betwa river link project, Yadav removed all hurdles coming in the way of these projects. Yadav spoke to Free Press on completion of one year. Excerpts
FP: How satisfied you are with your one-year performance in office?
CM: A man should never be satisfied with his performance. One should always think about doing something new. In one year, things have taken the shape the way we have thought. The government is strict about law and order. It has taken many innovative steps. It has happened for the first time that there the collector and the SP in a district are women. A visually challenged officer is running a division. Today, we have carried out what we thought yesterday.
FP: There is a saying that the bureaucracy prevails over the government. What do you think?
CM: Elected should be at the forefront. Selected ones should come afterwards. Elected ones should be given importance. Bureaucracy should work as helping hand. I have seen everything. Those who are inefficient cannot work with me, and only those who are efficient and strong stay with me.
FP: You are being portrayed as a Hindu leader?
CM: I have never issued any statement that consists of Hindutva. It is, however, true that the life of Ram and Krishna inspires me. They are my philosophy of life. I always refer to the good aspects of their lives. My purpose is to keep anger under control, to inculcate good habits, and to create good educational institutions. I have learnt all these things from Ram and Krishna. I also expect others to follow their ideals.
FP: MP is lagging behind other states in education and health. What are your plans for these two sectors?
CM: My aim is to go ahead of south Indian states in terms of education and health services in the next five years. The state is setting up 17 medical colleges. The plan to improve education and health sectors is ready. The state is working towards this direction.
FP: You have worked in many sectors. How do you take this one year?
CM: All departments are important for the government. Some of them are key departments and a few associated with those departments. Each department should be used according to its necessity. Scent gives fragrance, but one cannot eat it. One has to work in the government keeping this in mind.
FP: Your family does not stay with you. What is the reason?
CM: My family fully supports me. When I was the higher education minister, my family was not staying with me. My family also wants me to work for the progress of the state.
FP: What the government is doing to implement election manifesto?
CM: Implementation of Sankalp Patra that the BJP released before the election is on our top priority. Out of 456 promises, 45 have already been carried out. The government is working very fast to execute 268. All the promises will be fulfilled in five years.
FP: Unemployment is a major issue in the state. Before any election, political parties promise to create job opportunities, but there is barely any solution to this problem.
CM: The state is creating job opportunities in government and private sectors. One lakh youths will be recruited into various government departments. The aim is to create 2.50 lakh jobs in the government sector. Over seven lakh youths have been brought under self-employment schemes. Plans are also afoot to provide jobs to youths through industrialisation. The government is encouraging industries which have plans to create jobs.
FP: It is said that you pay more attention to Ujjain.
CM: Entire state is progressing along with Ujjain. Investors’ conclaves have been held in all divisions. The government’s schemes are carried out in the state. The Ken-Betwa river link project will benefit the Bundelkhand region. PM Shri Hawai Sewa is benefiting the Vindhya region. Because Ujjain is a hub of culture tourism and trade, the government is also working there.
