NewZNew (Chandigarh) : “I have always had great affection for Chandigarh and wanted to serve its people as also support Prime Minister Modi with one seat on his way to become India’s Prime minister, so accepted the responsibility, though I had never thought of being a politician”, answered Mrs Kirron Kher to none other than her husband Mr Anupam Kher during an interview organised by Confederation of Indian Industry’s (CII’s) Young Indians (Yi) Chandigarh Chapter as part of CII Yi Conversations at CII NR Headquarters in sector 31 A, here today.
“I was very inspired by the previous NDA Govt as their key leaders like Arun Jaitley, Sushma Ji, Yashwant Sinha, Atal ji and Advani Ji etc were easily approachable to the common man, worked hard on ground level and took some good decisions. Hence I wanted the BJP to win and form government at centre” she added when Anupam Kher asked her about why she accepted the offer.
“I don’t feel like being called a politician because I am not a hardcode politician. I even hate ‘Naarebaazi’ and ‘Haar’ or just being cheerful to be popular. Rather I believe in honestly and speedily implementing the Govt policies, schemes and programmes for the common man, especially the poor”, she added, which was well received by a round of applause by a jam-packed house.
Asked how she feels about the city and its residents, she answered that “The city was and is beautiful and peaceful. It has the potential to be the first smart city of India with all the key characteristics like good transportation facilities, use of solar energy, wifi zones etc. People living here are blessed ones. But it certainly needs a couple of fly overs to prevent traffic chaos in the coming times, because those staying here never want to leave the city.
“There is a dire need to bring about drastic changes in the functioning of the governments to speed up the developmental work. It is very unfortunate that months get wasted in executing various projects due to the lengthy procedures of the Governments. Further the single window system needs to be practically in place.i am working aggressively with the highly efficient and competent officials of UT admin and would ensure that my initiatives get implemented soon. I want properly staffed health centres with appropriate number of doctors and relevant equipment & machinery in all villages of Chandigarh soon”, she said when asked what she would like to concentrate on in future.
“I took special initiative and met Mrs Harsimrat Kaur Badal too to solve UT’s water woes and have been able to succeed in getting an extra canal for UT with additional capacity of 40 MGT. We would have 24 /7 water supply in UT by next year”, she answered when Anupam asked about her special achievement, if any.
“I am also working with the Admin on the need based changes in Chandigarh, CHB, conversion of leasehold to freehold, transportation, infrastructure and skill development”, she informed.
On being asked what she has learnt in the last one year, she said that “Though I cannot change myself from within, I have tried to change my external behaviour and now have become far more calm and sensible before I speak on being provoked”.