Q/Is the Covid-19 situation in Rajasthan under control?
A/Rajasthan has been at the forefront of the war against Covid-19. The number of cases as on June 22 stands at 14,997 of which active cases are only 2,987. Our recovery rate of 77.5 per cent is the second highest in the country and the death rate of 2.3 per cent is much less than the national average. Total tests done so far is 6.99 lakh and the testing rate per million is over 8,500, which is among the top three states. The rate of doubling of cases is 27 days, again much better than the national average.
Q/How big a challenge was the issue of the stranded migrant workers?
A/The challenge was of an unforeseen scale. But we were sensitive to the problems of migrant workers. We created an online platform to register workers who either wished to come to Rajasthan or go out. More than 24 lakh migrants registered on it. Initially, five trains were provided for Rajasthan, which was totally inadequate. Looking at the huge number of migrants, we started free Shramik buses. We made arrangements for food, water and lodging. We ensured movement of more than 19 lakh migrants with an expenditure of Rs25 crore.
Q/What is being done to help migrant workers returning to the state?
A/Providing suitable employment to migrants is one of the top priorities. An online Rajkaushal Labour Employment Exchange has been made operational. It has already registered 53 lakh workers and 11 lakh employers. We have already provided employment to more than 50 lakh people under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) scheme, which is 18 lakh more compared with last year. This is one of the highest in the country and it includes a sizable number of migrants.
Q/How has the state’s economy been impacted?
A/The lockdown has crippled our economy and has caused suffering for daily wage earners and migrants. It has become very difficult for the states to survive on their own. The states are fighting the pandemic at the ground level, but the package announced by the Centre does not contain any direct assistance to the states. It does not have any relief for the poor or any support to people who have lost their jobs. Industries are struggling because of the shortage of workforce, lack of demand and unavailability of working capital.
Q/What steps are being taken by your government to revive the economy?
A/The state government and its agencies are working tirelessly to bring back all activities to an optimal level and bring the economy of the state back on track. Concrete steps are being taken to create a conducive environment for the revival of industrial units. We have constituted a task force headed by former Union finance secretary Arvind Mayaram to suggest a combat plan and policy interventions. We would come out with policies realigned to the needs of different sectors. We will be hand-holding trade and industries and the various sectors that would help speed up the economic growth of the state.
Q/You demanded Central assistance to deal with the situation.
A/The economy of the states is in the doldrums. Certain demands were put forward to the Centre by us for the benefit of all the states. Unfortunately, no direct financial assistance to the states has been granted in the Rs20 lakh crore package by the Centre. Only very small assistance under the State Disaster Response Fund and the PM Cares Fund has been committed to us. But the situation warrants a much more substantial direct assistance to the states.
Q/Do you agree with the Centre on ending the lockdown when Covid-19 cases are on the rise?
A/We have seen a large number of cases in the past few days following the opening up of economic activities and allowing the movement of migrants. Looking at the critical financial conditions of the states, it has become essential to resume economic activities. Covid is not going to vanish soon. Hence, we will have to learn to live with it for quite some time with strict observance of precautions. Covid containment should remain the top priority. We should continue with the same strictness in containment and hotspot areas, while in the rest of the areas, all activities should be resumed with required precautions.
The whole country has been under lockdown for more than 70 days. It is high time we restarted economic activities. It is essential for economic revival.
Q/You have alleged that the BJP attempted to buy your MLAs.
A/There were reports that a huge amount of cash had been brought into Jaipur. At a time when the BJP should be fighting Covid-19, it is conspiring to topple governments. The Rajya Sabha elections were to be held two months ago. The elections were postponed because the BJP had not been able to complete horse-trading in Gujarat and Rajasthan.
Q/So, the Rajya Sabha elections were postponed as part of a conspiracy?
A/Pressure was put on the Election Commission to postpone the elections. And now, the same elections were conducted at a time when we have more COVID-19 cases.
Q/How stable is your government?
A/They tried to replicate what they did in Madhya Pradesh. However, our MLAs did not fall into their trap. Inducements were made, but I am proud to say that the six MLAs from the BSP who had joined us have continued to be with us, and it has happened only in Rajasthan that 13 independent MLAs supported the government without the offer of money or post.
Q/What kind of inducements were made to your MLAs?
A/There were reports of cash transfers happening in Jaipur. There was talk of advance amounts being offered: accept Rs10 crore as advance, Rs10 crore more will be paid later and then Rs5 crore more.