Smita Wagh, a seasoned Indian politician, has ascended the ranks within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Her journey began with the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and has now culminated in her being chosen as the BJP’s candidate from the Jalgaon constituency for the 2024 Loksabha elections. In an insightful conversation with Rohan Ambike , Wagh delves into her perspectives on crucial matters:
What are the first five steps you will take once elected to address the immediate needs and concerns of the constituents of Jalgaon?
I would like to express my gratitude for this opportunity. As a representative of the people, I would address the pressing issues faced by the constituents of Jalgaon. Jalgaon constituency faces water scarcity due to its geographical location. Hence, there is a dire need to work to solve the water woes of ordinary people. Secondly, the construction of dams and reservoirs still needs to be completed. This has put a strain on the water storage initiatives. Water harvesting and promoting new initiatives to improve water harvesting techniques must be supported. I emphasize my work on this. Water percolation is difficult due to the hard rock base of Jalgaon.
Along with this, my focus would be to improve employment generation within the constituency. To boost employment in any area, the essential requirement is a firm infrastructure model. Only when there is a strong network of roads, uninterrupted supply of electricity, and abundant water supply will industries turn to set up their bases in any area.
In the last decade, due to the formidable work done by Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Nitin Gadkari, and the solid support from Prime Minister Modi, we have created a strong network of roads and connected them to the highways.We have also been successful in providing continuous and uninterrupted power supply. Now, with the focus on solving water vows, once that is done, industry bigwigs will turn to Jalgaon and provide a substantial amount of employment to the local youth.
How would Jalgaon rank in terms of Industrial Development (MIDC), and what measures do you propose to enhance industrial growth in the region further?
Jalgaon has shown significant progress in industrial development, particularly with the presence of Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) zones. However, there is still ample room for growth and diversification. Jalgaon has immense potential for further industrial expansion. There is also a need to empower the youth through skill development programs, and entrepreneurship initiatives. We have already implemented Startup India and Skill India initiatives, and there has been a decent response.
Furthermore, I will place particular emphasis on supporting women entrepreneurs, providing them with resources and opportunities to thrive in business ventures.
Education lays the foundation for a prosperous society. I will prioritize the development of educational institutions, including schools and colleges, to provide quality education to our youth. Additionally, vocational training programs will be introduced to equip students with relevant skills for employment opportunities. While Jalgaon is known for specific industries like agriculture and textiles, diversifying into emerging sectors will add resilience to the industrial ecosystem and attract new opportunities.
What are your views when it comes to infrastructure development in Jalgaon, and how do you plan to address these priorities?
During my tenure as a member of the Zilla Parishad committee, I proposed a plan for establishing a Women-Based Special Economic Zone (SEZ) to provide a dedicated space for women-owned businesses to thrive and contribute to the local economy. Unfortunately, it did not see the light of the day. However, if I can reinitiate that, it will be a game-changer. Enhancing public transportation services is essential to provide residents with affordable and efficient mobility options and reduce road congestion. The railway infrastructure is exceptionally good in Jalgaon. Strengthening the functioning of Jalgaon Airport is essential to improve connectivity and facilitate economic growth in the region. Despite its potential, the airport currently needs more infrastructure and operational efficiency. That will be an area for me to focus on.
How would you tackle crime in Jalgaon and ensure the safety and security of its residents?
Ensuring the safety and security of Jalgaon’s residents will an area to work on for my administration. A multi-pronged approach combining law enforcement, community engagement, and preventive measures will be adopted to tackle crime effectively. Investing in youth development programs, including education, skill training, and recreational activities, will divert young people from criminal activities and provide them with alternative pathways to success. Building trust and collaboration between the police and the community is crucial for effective crime control. I will encourage community policing initiatives involving residents in crime prevention, such as neighbourhood watch programs and youth engagement activities.
I will leave no stone unturned to make sure that no one tries to influence or pressure the authorities and, in a way, toy with the law. Once, I did not even heed my daughter’s request to intervene with the police when she was caught riding a two-wheeler without her license. As public servants, we must set precedence by adopting a comprehensive approach to crime prevention and community safety; we can create a secure environment where residents can thrive and prosper.
What are your plans for implementing CCTV surveillance across the constituency to enhance security?
CCTV surveillance across the constituency is a much-needed measure to enhance security measures and deter criminal activities. My plan involves a phased approach to ensure comprehensive coverage and effective monitoring. We had already implemented a pilot project in the town of Amalner. We interacted with the locals in the area by educating the public about the benefits of CCTV surveillance, and this kind of community inclusion proved to be fruitful. We now have CCTVs in all the prominent areas of Amalner.
This success in Amalner has enhanced my confidence that working closely with local law enforcement agencies, municipal corporations, and relevant stakeholders will be crucial for successfully implementing CCTV surveillance. Coordinating efforts and sharing information will enhance the effectiveness of surveillance operations. These collective efforts will prove effective in curbing the crime. My focus will be on ensuring compliance with privacy regulations and guidelines. Measures such as data encryption, restricted access to footage, and transparent governance of surveillance operations will safeguard the privacy rights of individuals.
Women’s entrepreneurship is crucial for fostering economic empowerment and inclusive growth. What initiatives do you propose to support and promote women entrepreneurs in Jalgaon?
Empowering women entrepreneurs in Jalgaon is not just about promoting economic growth but also advancing gender equality and social inclusion. I want to create an enabling environment where women can thrive in business ventures and contribute meaningfully to the local economy. The number of women entrepreneurs is on the rise. They highlight success stories of women entrepreneur Archana Mahajan in Jalgaon, the founder of a company that makes sanitary pads from banana trunks. Through her small-scale project, she employs around 25-30 women today. As an MP, I will support and amplify such initiatives by providing the necessary resources, recognition, and support systems to enable more women to embark on similar entrepreneurial journeys.
For the last ten years, our honourable Prime Minister has spearheaded initiating skill development programs focused on entrepreneurship, business management, and technical skills that will empower women entrepreneurs to succeed in diverse sectors.
These programs will enhance their capabilities and confidence in running successful ventures. I am a women entrepreneur and have been running my own publication unit. Women-led businesses can create a conducive ecosystem that empowers women, drives economic growth, and fosters a more inclusive and equitable society in Jalgaon.
As an MP, to promote women entrepreneurs, I will strive to facilitate market access and networking opportunities through trade fairs, exhibitions, and business forums, enabling them to showcase their products and services, forge partnerships, and explore new business avenues. Additionally, leveraging digital platforms for e -commerce and online marketing will expand their reach beyond traditional markets.
What are your thoughts on increasing the presence of women in politics, particularly in leadership roles?
Increasing the presence of women in politics is beneficial and necessary for the overall development and progress of our society. Women bring unique perspectives, experiences, and leadership qualities to the table, which enriches the decision-making process and fosters more inclusive governance.
Take, for instance, the late Sushma Swaraj, a stalwart in Indian politics whose contributions as External Affairs Minister and in various other ministerial roles left an indelible mark on the nation. Her unwavering dedication, diplomacy, and empathy exemplified the transformative potential of women leaders in shaping foreign policy and diplomatic relations.
Similarly, Smriti Irani’s journey from a television actress to a prominent political figure is inspirational. Her resilience, tenacity, and grassroots connect have earned her respect and admiration across the political spectrum. As Union Minister for Women and Child Development and Textiles, she has championed initiatives to empower women economically and socially, driving tangible change at the grassroots level.
Reflecting on my journey, serving as a Zilla Parishad (ZP) member, and later becoming the first woman chairperson of the ZP has been a defining experience. It allowed me to contribute to local governance and empowered me to break barriers and challenge stereotypes. The opportunity to lead and represent my community instilled in me a sense of responsibility and confidence, propelling me to advocate for the needs and aspirations of women and marginalized groups. I never was an armchair politician, and this is because of the support of my family, especially my husband, who always supported me. So, if there is firm support from the family, women can do wonders in politics.
Therefore, I firmly advocate encouraging more women to enter politics and assume leadership positions. We need diverse voices at the decision-making table to address our society’s multifaceted challenges and ensure that policies and programs are inclusive and equitable. By providing opportunities and support to women in politics, we can harness their potential as agents of change and progress, ultimately paving the way for a more just and inclusive society.
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