After long innings in hardcore politics, former Union minister, Bandaru Dattatraya (72) is settling down in the new role as Himachal Pradesh Governor with a clear vision to proceed within the limits of the coveted constitutional post.

“In politics, we can speak on any subject and are free to work as per our own will. I am holding constitutional post for the first time and will have to work impartially and cautiously. It is a changed life. It involves lot of responsibility and restrictions. But I feel that Governor has a role to play in development of state. Governor’s institution is no more a silent spectator. A Governor is more like an ambassador,” Dattatraya said in an exclusive interview with The Statesman here on Wednesday.

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Cool and composed, Dattatraya speaks with a lot of depth. His prime interest is to stay connected with people and ground so that he gets strong feedback and guides the government accordingly. He has already identified basic issues in Himachal to work on, whether social sector, tourism, education, entrepreneurship or health, in one and a half months of tenure. However, he still finds it a very short period to comment on the systems working in Himachal. “I have met lot of people and even officers in HP. Before making any opinion, I would like to get feedback from the field by travelling to different areas myself. I will see how the central schemes, like Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan, and review the development works for Scheduled Tribes, Scheduled Castes and Other Backward Classes.  ” he said.

Dattatraya’s wish to suddenly move out and interact with people without prior intimation has surprised Raj Bhawan staff many a time. He is probably trying to match his hectic political routine of the past by occupying himself more in travel, interaction, reading books on ethical values and history, newspapers, compulsory morning or evening walk, and yoga while being Governor.

Dattatraya subtly conveyed that he is also trying to adjust to ‘go slow’ culture in Raj Bhawan.

“‘Dev Bhoomi’ Himachal is a peaceful state and has lot of potential for tourism. The focus has so far been on Shimla or Kullu Manali. The state has Shakti peeths and historic places, which could be great tourist attraction if popularised the way they should be,” he said.

He said he would build a connect between the people of South (Telangana) with Himachal for tourism promotion. “A meeting of tourism officials of Himachal and Telangana would be held shortly to work out strategy,” he said.

Dattatraya said Himachal needs to develop the concept of ‘guides’, who could tell the tourists about local history, culture and heritage. “I recently visited Jakhu temple in Shimla. Jakhu hill has a rich history and reference related to Ramayana, but not many people know about it. We need to have good guides to inform people and make their visit more meaningful,” he said.

The Governor referred that Raj Bhawan in Shimla is also a historical place, but not many outsiders or even locals know this. “Since I love talking to school students, I intend to have interaction with them at Raj Bhawan. Let them know the history of Raj Bhawan as well,” he said.

He said even Kullu Dussehra, which showcases a wonderful assembly of deities from the area, should be publicized more in the country.

Dattatraya’s focus is on quality education at all levels, right from schools to University and promotion of technical education.

“Himachal is coming up well in education and is at number two after Kerala. The quality of education in government schools should be improved and English should be promoted as language in schools. The poor and middle class people can’t afford private education,” he said.

The Governor said skill development can play a great role in the employment of youths in and outside the state and Telangana can help out Himachal in this. He said the proposed investor meet in Himachal as a good and bold step, reflective of the progressive and development-oriented outlook of the state government.

Dattatraya, who became RSS Pracharak after college in 1968, joined Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 1980 and remained minister twice. In Vajpayee and then Modi government. He is credited with mooting employee-friendly laws, while he was Labour minister in the Centre previously.

On asked about his observation on deteriorating standards of politics, he said, “The situation is not disappointing.” “Politics was earlier a mission. Still, it is a mission for many. For some, it has become a business or career. The younger generation is very knowledgeable and apt in technology. They, however, need guidance in discipline, values and parliamentary standards and ethics,” he elaborated.