New Delhi. Forty young fellows selected under the “MP Lead Fellowship,” an innovative initiative of Rajya Sabha MP Dr. Ajit Gopchadde, held a formal and thought-provoking interaction with Union Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Mrs. Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya, at her official residence. The program aims to provide talented young people with a practical understanding of parliamentary procedures, administrative functioning, good governance, and public policymaking, enabling them to play an effective role in nation-building in the future.
During the interaction, the young fellows asked the Union Minister of State questions on a variety of topics, including women’s leadership, the Public Distribution System (PDS), transparent governance, public policy, disaster management, and the vision of a developed India 2047. Sharing her experiences from public life, Mrs. Bambhaniya said that politics is not merely a means to attain position or prestige, but a powerful means to deliver development and welfare schemes to the last person in society. She emphasized that honesty, transparency, sensitivity, and public trust are the greatest assets in public service.
Expressing his views on women’s empowerment, the Union Minister of State stated that women’s economic independence is the foundation of a strong and prosperous society. Referring to self-help groups and the “Lakhpati Didi” campaign, he said that these initiatives have brought positive change in the lives of millions of women across the country. He urged young people to maintain a spirit of continuous learning and fulfill their social responsibilities with integrity.
Addressing young people aspiring to enter public life, he said that in the early years, it is crucial to listen more, learn more, and live among society to understand people’s problems. He advised them to base their opinions on any subject on facts and make time management an integral part of their work style. According to him, the true hallmark of successful leadership lies in the efficient use of time and the ability to make balanced decisions in difficult situations.
Discussing the decision-making process, the Union Minister of State stated that in any democratic system, the first priority when making decisions should be public interest, secondly, adherence to ethical values, and thirdly, a proper assessment of practical circumstances. Citing the example of the COVID-19 pandemic, he said that India successfully faced challenging situations by taking timely and effective decisions based on these principles.
On the subject of food security and disaster management, he said that rations for the poor should not be stopped in any crisis. He explained that three months’ advance ration is made available in hilly and inaccessible areas during the monsoon. Furthermore, arrangements are made to deliver food grains through alternative means, if needed, in disaster-affected areas, including Jammu and Kashmir and Assam, so that no eligible beneficiary is left out. Referring to reforms undertaken to bring transparency to the public distribution system, he said that initiatives such as the Aadhaar-based e-POS device, ‘One Nation, One Ration Card’, the ‘Asha Portal’, and the ‘Mera Ration’ mobile app have made the ration distribution system more transparent, accountable, and beneficiary-centric.
He said that these technological improvements have effectively curbed fraud and facilitated the prompt resolution of complaints. According to him, the “One Nation, One Ration Card” scheme launched under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has proven to be an important initiative in strengthening the country’s food security system.
Expressing his views on the vision of a developed India 2047, the Union Minister of State expressed confidence that by 2047, India’s public distribution system will be established as a role model for the world, based on transparency, modern technology, trust, and a spirit of service. Speaking on the occasion, Rajya Sabha MP Dr. Ajit Gopchadde said that the objective of the “MP Lead Fellowship” is to provide young people with an opportunity to closely understand and learn about the policy-making process, parliamentary procedures, and the working style of the top leadership. He expressed confidence that such interactions will inspire young people and they will play an active and effective role in building a developed India.