Dhariwal says working of govt depts will be transparent

Shanti Dhariwal has been entrusted with two powerful portfolios in the Gehlot government—Home and UDH departments. DNA talks to the minister on wide ranging issues like state’s law and order situation, fake encounters and the challenges ahead. Excerpts:  

You were entrusted with powerful and plum portfolios in the cabinet expansion. Were you expecting the elevation in government?

What can I say? It is the chief minister’s prerogative. I will try and live up to his and the public’s expectation.

The home and UDH departments became the nemesis for the previous government. Both are with you now. What’s your take on the functioning of these departments?

The working of the departments would be transparent. That is for sure. The law and order in the previous government had deteriorated completely. We are pulling it back on the tracks.

But, there are charges that the law has broken down in the short tenure of the Congress government as well?

We have been here for only two months (says slightly irritated). There has been no deterioration in the law and order and the government’s functioning is efficient.

Congress has been making an issue out of alleged fake encounters of criminals. As a home minister what would be your initiative in this regard?

We had taken up the issue of fake police encounters reported during the previous government’s tenure. We will certainly probe the charges of fake encounters by the police. Action would follow against the officials if the charges are proven.

The UDH ministry became the hub of controversies in the previous govt. What are the challenges you face?

"We are already reviewing the decision of the UDH department during the last six months of the previous government. The decisions taken against norms will be revoked.

What are the challenges in Jaipur? Encroachments in Jaipur will go. I am inspecting the Walled City today to check if the verandas in front of the shops are free of encroachments. There will be strict enforcement against unauthorised construction or occupation of buildings inside the Walled City.

Shanti Dhariwal, Minister, home and UDH department

We had taken up the issue of fake police encounters reported during the previous govt’s tenure. We will certainly probe the charges of fake encounters.”

DNA correspondent/ DNA-Daily News & Analysis Source: 3D Syndication