‘Don’t play with kids’ lives’

Film actress-turned politician Umashree has not changed even after becoming a minister.

Holding the portfolio of women and child welfare and Kannada and culture, Umashree has ready-made answers for any question, be it the appointment of a chairperson for the women’s commission or facing a performance test by KPCC.

During the interview with Deccan Chronicle, the minister came up with smart answers and at times showed traits of a film personality—the world she belonged to before becoming an active politician. Here are excerpts from the interview. 

Q: Six months have passed after you took over this department. What are the challenges you face?

A: As you know, I handle two departments, Kannada and culture and women and child welfare.

In women and child welfare, the major challenge is setting right  discrepancies in the distribution of fresh food for children in Anganwadis.

I have noticed  lapses particularly in urban areas where we face a shortage of  space for kitchens and LPG cylinders. In some places they cook using kerosene. This system has to change.

Q: In Raichur and Koppal, infant death were reported  showing the system is flawed.

A: Not any longer. We conduct surveys every three months. We refer cases of malnutrition to hospitals  and ensure that the children  are  regularly monitored. So, no one can fudge the data. I do not feel we have flaws in the system for identifying malnourished kids.

Q: There are lapses on the part of the company, entrusted with the task of giving food in Anganwadis. Has it come to your notice?

A: A proper system is in place to check this. A committee headed by the Chief executive officer(CEO) of the zilla panchayat monitors the quality of the food served. 

Cases of poor quality cereals being provided to infants and children at anganwadis were reported in Raichur and Mudhol. We have taken action and cancelled the contracts. We have zero tolerance for those who  play with the lives of children.

Q: Your department did a commendable job during the Rajyotsava award selection this year. How did this become possible?

A: It was possible because none of us, ministers and legislators, put pressure on the selection committee. This helped us to select a list acceptable to all. This time, we chose some who had not applied. People like Ko. Chennabasappa could not apply for the award.

Q: You promised a cultural policy. What is the status?

A: Writer Baraguru Ramachandrappa is heading the committee. and has promised a report in a month’s time. Once he does, we are planning to put it on the website so that people can  give suggestions. Based on the inputs we receive, we will finalise the policy.

Q: Which areas will the policy will cover?

A: We do not have a policy for award selection and for the criteria for judges who select artistes for awards or  grants for the matter. We expect the policy to take care of these issues

Q: Will this policy be free of politics?

A: We have to keep the cultural policy free of political influence.

Q: The way funds were released by the Kannada and culture department, one had to say it was  arbitrary.

A: In the past it has happened in this manner. There were no guidelines to disburse funds. We have streamlined that. The department has to submit accounts to the Accountant General. 

Q: Would you like to empower the women’s commission with more powers?

A: The commission is not a police station. It will not go and register a case or inquire. This has been functioning on the lines of the Central Women Commission. As of now, we have no proposal to empower it. 

Q: Moving on,  KPCC president Dr G. Parameshwar said the party will carry out an assessment of ministers. Are you ready for this?

A: We have to. The party will assess based on our performance. There will not be any politics. So, I am confident and not worried at all.