Youth Discontent Drives Betting in IPL: Harish Rawat Critiques U'khand Government for Job Shortage
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Synopsis
In a recent interview, Harish Rawat criticized the Uttarakhand government for failing to provide jobs for the youth, resulting in a troubling trend of betting during IPL matches. He condemned the removal of slums near Dehradun and addressed various state issues, including traffic congestion and political criticism.
Key Takeaways
- Harish Rawat highlights youth unemployment in Uttarakhand.
- Criticizes the government for removing slums without alternatives.
- Discusses the impact of IPL betting on youth behavior.
- Calls for better road infrastructure to address traffic issues.
- Questions the ED's focus on the Gandhi family.
Dehradun, April 20 (NationPress) Former Uttarakhand Chief Minister and Congress leader Harish Rawat criticized the state government on Sunday for failing to create adequate employment opportunities for the youth of Uttarakhand. He expressed that the younger demographic is increasingly restless due to the absence of jobs.
Rawat described it as unfortunate that the youth are turning to a detrimental habit, namely betting on IPL matches, instead of engaging in drug use.
During an interview with IANS, he also condemned the government's actions in removing slums near the riverbanks of Dehradun, particularly around the Rispana and Bindal rivers, alleging a conspiracy to displace local residents.
Rawat further responded to Cabinet Minister Ganesh Joshi's comments directed at him, addressed the severe traffic jams affecting residents statewide, discussed the violence in West Bengal's Murshidabad, and commented on the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) summons to Robert Vadra, husband of Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.
Here are some highlights from the interview:
IANS: The government claims to be creating new job opportunities for the youth. Do you believe the situation has improved?
Harish Rawat: Employment is non-existent. The government merely makes promises that fail to materialize. There is significant restlessness among the youth. Thankfully, the IPL has provided some distraction. They now focus on betting during the matches rather than resorting to drugs, but the core issue of employment remains unresolved.
IANS: The state government is removing residents living near the Rispana and Bindal rivers. What are your thoughts?
Harish Rawat: Our government had enacted a law in 2016 for the regularization of these slums, which was unanimously passed. Approximately 1,000 individuals were granted ownership rights, but the current administration has halted this process. Those who have lived there for 14-15 years are now facing demolitions.
This appears to be a conspiracy to displace them. How can one remove people from their homes without providing alternative housing? They possess electricity and water bills from the last 14-15 years. I observed a silent fast for them today, and I will continue my penance throughout May and June.
IANS: Long traffic jams are a significant issue statewide. Why do you think the government neglects this?
Harish Rawat: The government should have planned road development with the daily traffic volume in mind. It's evident that roads need expansion, and alternative routes should be established to alleviate congestion. However, the government has failed to act.
The ongoing construction of the Delhi-Dehradun fast route will exacerbate traffic issues. We initiated plans to allow vehicles traveling to other districts to bypass Dehradun. For instance, travelers heading to Chakrata or Paonta Sahib shouldn't need to pass through Dehradun. We constructed a bypass for Tehri, and the Narendra Nagar bypass is functioning well.
In the last 8-10 years, not a single flyover has been constructed in the city. Currently, traffic jams impact 12-14 cities.
IANS: Cabinet Minister Ganesh Joshi suggested you should retire from politics and settle in an ashram in Haridwar. What is your response?
Harish Rawat: He has settled many individuals in drains and ditches; if he can find me a hut, I’d be okay with that. I have no problem with that. Let us not forget that he was responsible for injuring Shaktiman, the pride of Uttarakhand. However, I maintain a friendly relationship with him; he is a jovial person.
IANS: What is your opinion on the violence in West Bengal's Murshidabad? Should President's Rule be enforced?
Harish Rawat: Those who incited riots in Murshidabad appeared to have infiltrated from Bangladesh. This reflects a failure of the central government to control border security. The influx of Bangladeshi infiltrators has increased. The riots in Murshidabad were orchestrated, with Bangladeshi communists involved.
Moreover, the state police should have intervened. Law and order is a state responsibility, and if the elected government fails to act, the public will hold them accountable.
IANS: The ED has begun questioning Robert Vadra. What are your views?
Harish Rawat: The ED seems to be primarily targeting the Gandhi-Nehru family, the Congress party, and opposition figures. The central government is misusing the ED. Despite years of investigation, they have found nothing substantial yet continue to repeat the same inquiries. Ultimately, this leads to a very low prosecution rate for the ED.
