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Friday 5 February 2016

Rawat's 2 years a mixed bag - Dehradun

With chief minister Harish Rawat completing two years in office on Monday, the hallmark of his tenure, say observers, were the numerous schemes and initiatives launched by him. While the CM has often been flayed for making mere announcements which do not translate into reality, those working with him claim that over the past two years, the CM has announced over 300 major initiatives out of which government orders have been passed on nearly 275.




"Many schemes have evoked an overwhleming response. These include the Indira Amma Bhojanalaya, Mera Gaon Meri Sadak Yojna, Hito Pahar, Mere Bujurg Mere Tirth, cluster farming to link markets, setting up of sarais on chardham yatra routes, and introduction of pension schemes for old people above 69 years, dwarfs and physically challenged," said a senior government official.



Rawat's major task when he took over, say observers, was bringing the state and the economy back on track after the catastrophic floods of 2013. Social activist Rajiv Lochan Sah terms it an "insurmountable challenge which the government has tried hard to meet."



According to Pankaj Gupta, president of Industries Association of Uttarakhand, the chief minister has done well in "introducing schemes that give impetus to small and middle cottage industries."


However, the Rawat government has also had its fair share of controversies ranging from the CD sting in which the chief minister's secretary was allegedly caught negotiating kickbacks, to questions being raised about irregularities in floods relief funds. But notwithstanding this, the CM has managed to emerge as a popular leader who has strengthened his grip within the party.



Despite the CM's slew of populist announcements however, there are areas in which the government has not met expectations especially related to improving accessibility in far-flung hill areas. There are numerous villages that are still waiting for roads. As Pankaj Bisht, a villager, puts it, "The state government needs to conduct a detailed survey to ascertain the exact number of villages still waiting for roads in hill districts if it really wants to reach out to the common man."





Source : TOI , 1st Feb 2016 

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