Law & order, ending VIP culture in HP tops Thakur’s priority list

‘NO VENDETTA POLITICS’ CMelect he says will focus on development and implementation of Centre’s schemes

SHIMLA: Bharatiya Janata Party’s chief minister designate Jai Ram Thakur on Thursday accorded foremost priority to improving law and order, while stressing on doing away with VIP culture in the state. Jai Ram said that he will not follow the politics of vendetta.

In his first press conference two days before he takes oath as the HP CM, Jai Ram Thakur listed his priorities.

LAW AND ORDER

“The deteriorating law and order situation during the previous regime was one of our main poll plank. The five-time MLA also said that the previous government did not co-cooperate with agencies but our government will ensure that Gudiya gets justice,” he said.

IMPLEMENTATION OF CENTRAL SCHEMES

Jai Ram also said emphasis will be laid on effective implementation of central sponsored schemes.

“The Centre has rolled out many schemes and in last three years, the Congress government failed to utilise the funds allocated by the Centre government,” he said, adding, “I think previous government was not interested in development.”

FINANCE

“We all are aware of the fact that the state’s financial position is quite grim. Merely bringing white paper on state’s finances will not help.” he said, adding that his government will work on curbing wasteful expenditure and mobilise resources.

“The Congress government is responsible for the financial mess in the state,” he added.

RE-EMPLOYMENT AND EXTENSION

The government will not nurture the culture of re-employing tired and retired employees. Thakur said, “I will take oath on December 27 and many decisions will be taken after that but the culture of hiring tired and retired employees will go.”

On being asked about appointment of chairman, vice, Thakur said, “Our government will not resort to unnecessary appointments.”

VIP CULTURE

Thakur said his government will end the VIP culture in the state.

“My will is that the government is of common man and the focus will be on governance. We will put an end to VIP culture in the state.

Although the 52-year-old assured that his government would not indulge in politics of vendetta, he said all the orders passed by the outgoing Congress government just before the elections will be reviewed.

“We will review all the decisions taken by the Congress government, three months before imposition of the code of conduct, and ascertain if they were prudent and taken in a transparent manner,” he said.

“The administrative reshuffle will be done after the formation of cabinet.” he said.

On being asked about his stand on the council for hill states, Thakur said, “My government will work to safeguard the interest of the hill state.”

We will review all the decisions taken by the Congress, three months before imposition of the code of conduct, and ascertain if they were prudent and taken in a transparent manner.

JAI RAM THAKUR, HP CM-elect