Our government is fully prepared for the census– Energy, Transport and Labour Minister, Anil Vij

Haryana’s Energy, Transport and Labour Minister, Sh. Anil Vij said that the government is fully prepared for the upcoming census. Several meetings have already been held on the matter, both at the central and state levels. 

He informed that even the Prime Minister has chaired meetings regarding the census. Similarly, Haryana’s Chief Minister has also conducted meetings to ensure census readiness. Sh. Vij reiterated that “We are fully prepared for the census,” and added, “I support the concept of ‘One Nation-One Election.’”

Sh. Vij was speaking in Chandigarh today as the chief guest at a regional workshop on transport, where he addressed participants from 12 states along with the Union Ministry. He responded to media questions afterward.He said that elections consume a lot of time and resources. 

Recently, India had Lok Sabha elections, followed by Assembly elections, then municipal elections and now panchayat elections held. Due to the Model Code of Conduct, many projects remain stalled during this time. He emphasized again, “I support ‘One Nation-One Election.’”

*The opposition believes opposing everything is their job – Vij*

Targeting the opposition, Sh. Vij said that “The opposition in our country believes their job is just to oppose every single thing.” Giving an example, he said that “If the sun is shining, they will say it’s night.” He referred to India’s recent successful action against Pakistan, stating, “the opposition demanded proof and spoke in Pakistan’s language. Since they oppose everything, the people of India no longer give weight to their opposition.”

*”Lalu Prasad should stand up, hold his ears and apologize to the nation” – Vij*

Responding to a question about RJD leader Lalu Prasad being involved in a controversy for placing his feet near a photo of Dr. Ambedkar while election season in Bihar, Sh. Vij said that “These are people who appear one way on the outside and are something else on the inside. They give big speeches from podiums, but their actions reflect what’s in their hearts. Lalu Prasad should stand up, hold his ears and apologize to the entire nation.”

*”If Mahipal Dhanda had been the Education Minister at the time of independence, it would have benefited the country greatly” – Vij*

When asked about Education Minister Mahipal Dhanda’s directive to write all official files in Hindi, Sh. Vij responded that “If Mahipal Dhanda had been India’s Education Minister when the country gained independence, it would have benefited the country immensely.” 

He raised a rhetorical question, “Japan is highly developed – do they speak English? China is advanced – do they speak English? Germany is developed – do they speak English? France, which borders England, doesn’t even allow English boards. Have these countries not progressed?”

Sh. Vij argued that a student can understand concepts much better in their mother tongue than in any other language. He said that “We made a mistake and we ended up here. But still, we should learn Hindi as well as other languages.”

*”I won’t say to ban any language, but Hindi must be promoted” – Vij*

Criticizing the Congress, he said that “The Congress breed is such that they never go into the depth, origin or essence of anything.” He clarified that he is not against other languages and added, “At the time of independence, we could have said the British are gone and we will no longer speak English, only Hindi. 

Then everyone would have started speaking Hindi. But now English is quite prevalent. So, I won’t say to ban any language, but Hindi should certainly be promoted, he said.”