We need to create industrial clusters to decongest cities

Nitin Gadkari, minister of micro, small and medium enterprises; road transport and highways; and shipping

- PRATUL SHARMA

Nitin Gadkari has been a man with a mission amid the Covid-19 crisis. Every day, he holds videoconferences with various stakeholders, listening to their concerns and offering them hope.

The micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) sector has been the worst-affected by the lockdown. Several measures Gadkari had proposed have become part of the Union government’s ₹20 lakh crore economic stimulus package.

Gadkari spoke to THE WEEK on a range of issues—from highways and industrial clusters to politics and China. His mantra in these gloomy times: Be positive and self-confident to emerge victorious. “Kadam se kadam milakar chalna hoga. Koshish karne waalon ki kabhi haar nahi hoti (We should march together. Those who try, will not lose),” Gadkari said, reciting lines from a poem written by former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

Excerpts from the interview:

Q/ You are very optimistic in your interactions with industry bodies. Has it rubbed off on the industry?

A/ I have spoken to a lot of people, ranging from those in the entertainment sector and hair salons to restaurant waiters and owners. This is not the first crisis we are facing. Our country has always faced disasters like earthquakes, floods and diseases. There is an urgent need to build positivity and self-confidence in people. If this happens, we will win.

Everyone is facing problems. Some state governments don’t have enough funds to pay salaries. The government of India has seen its revenues drop. The banking system is facing challenges. Migrants are facing a jobs crisis.