“The Aam Aadmi Connect Is Strengthened”

Santosh Kumar Gangwar is a popular BJP leader from Uttar Pradesh. He believes his induction in the finance ministry as minister of state marks the democratisation of the ministry. Edited excerpts from an interview:

The biggest takeaway from recent cabinet reshuffle?
It’s a reshuffle in the union government after two years of Modi government. While excellent work has been going on for the past two years, PM Narendra Modi as well as the government believes in serving the interests of the common man. There is also an effort to ensure that the common man considers finance ministry as their own ministry.

So, are you saying that finance ministry is taking up the cause of the common man?
In 1971, banks were nationalised by Indira Gandhi. And it was said that the doors of the banks were open for everyone.

However, it was only when PM Modi took initiatives in this regard that in the last year and a half, 22 crore or more people opened bank accounts. The PM had said that zero-balance accounts would also be allowed under the drive. More than Rs 3,000 crore of money was deposited in the banks. Less than one-fourth of the total accounts were zero-balance accounts.

Thus, for the first time, finance ministry got to be associated with the common man. Until now it was said that the ministry was for elites or income tax payees.
The ministry has changed the very contours of its work now.

Now the central government has decided that benefits like pension, etc., would be transferred to people’s bank accounts, and no intermediaries would be required. This was another historic move.

More than 1 crore people gave up their LPG subsidy for the poor. The benefits would be given through bank account transfers. These measures have strengthened the faith of the common man in the finance ministry. They have come to believe that the ministry is talking about the aam aadmi.

Hassle-free bank loans ranging from Rs 50,000 to 10 lakh to those interested in starting their own enterprise is another such aam aadmi measure.

You are a popular mass leader in UP. Your colleague Arjun Ram Meghwal is another such leader from Rajasthan. Is your induction a measure to strengthen the aam aadmi connect with finance ministry?
This step by PM Modi will lead to positive change and usher in development. Real development happens when the aam aadmi thinks the government and various ministries work in their interest.

How was your journey – from textiles to finance?
Earlier some had the opinion that textiles ministry was not of much use. I am, however, happy that by the time I left, the ministry’s onward march had gathered pace. Work had started in earnest.

Now I am in finance. It’s definitely bigger and there’s a lot to do.

For aam aadmi to think that it is their ministry, it’s important that a man who thinks of their interests is here.

Did the PM or the party president talk to you about the aam aadmi connect, while shifting you to finance?
The PM through his Mann ki Baat addresses the entire nation. We learn so many things from it. He has also been meeting the council of ministers. Positive results will come out of it.

Textiles ministry recently came out with a package that has been hailed as a revolutionary measure...
The package gives a new direction and jumpstarts the industry. The ministry has managed to carve its own identity.

What will be your priorities in finance ministry?
The ministry concerns anyone and everyone. The main objective is that the voice of the common man is not lost in the power corridors.

How has the experience with your boss Arun Jaitley been?
I have had a long association with him. In the new role, not only my knowledge base under FM Jaitley will increase, but under his guidance I also hope to deliver.

You hail from UP. The state goes to polls next year. Are you planning anything big for the state?
All MPs have been asked to tour extensively, establish a dialogue with the people, and learn about the problems they face.

Are you confident that Good and Services Tax (GST) would be passed in this monsoon session of Parliament?
The country feels the need for GST. We feel we would be able to evolve a consensus and the Bill would be passed in this session.

What’s your motto in life?
This government’s motto has been: “sabka saath, sabka vikas”. This is the motto for me too.

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