At a time when questions are being raised about the effectiveness of monitoring mechanisms and the pace of development in Jharkhand’s districts, Dewesh Kumar Tiwary’s appointment as a member of the state-level DISHA Committee from ’eminent person’ category, has drawn attention. In an exclusive conversation with The Garhwa Post, he speaks at length about responsibility, accountability, and his vision—especially for the youth.
Q: Congratulations on your appointment. How do you define this responsibility at a personal and public level?
Dewesh Tiwary: Thank you. I see this not as a position, but as a responsibility entrusted by the system and the people. At a personal level, it is a matter of pride to represent a state like Jharkhand, which has immense potential but also faces deep-rooted challenges. At a public level, the responsibility is far greater—because this role demands that I act as a bridge between policy and people.
DISHA is not just a review platform; it is a space where the reality of villages, panchayats, and small towns must be brought into official discussions. I believe my role is to ensure that voices from the ground are not diluted in files and reports. If policies are not reflecting realities, then someone must highlight that gap—and I intend to do so with honesty.
Q: There is criticism that DISHA committees often remain symbolic. How will you make your role outcome-oriented?
Dewesh Tiwary: That criticism cannot be ignored. In many places, monitoring mechanisms have not delivered the level of impact people expect. But I believe that systems are only as effective as the intent and effort of the individuals within them.
My approach will be very clear—first, to stay connected with the ground. I will regularly interact with local communities, representatives, and beneficiaries to understand where the gaps lie. Second, I will ensure that issues raised in DISHA meetings are specific, evidence-based, and difficult to overlook. And third, I will follow up—because without follow-up, even the best discussions lose meaning.
The aim should not be to conduct meetings, but to resolve problems. If a road project is delayed or a welfare scheme is not reaching people, then it must be questioned until there is a response. That is how accountability is built.
Q: Palamau continues to struggle with migration, infrastructure gaps, and welfare delivery issues. What are your focus areas?
Dewesh Tiwary: Palamau’s challenges are interconnected. Migration, for example, is not just about lack of jobs—it is also about lack of opportunities, infrastructure, and confidence in the system.
My focus will be on strengthening the implementation of existing schemes rather than just talking about new ones. Whether it is rural roads, housing, or employment under schemes like MGNREGA, the key lies in ensuring that benefits actually reach the intended people.
I also believe there needs to be better coordination between departments. Many times, projects suffer not because of lack of funds, but because of delays and administrative disconnect. If DISHA can act as a platform to improve coordination and push timely execution, it can make a real difference.
Q: You acknowledged top leadership after your appointment. How will you balance political alignment with independent accountability?
Dewesh Tiwary: Respect for leadership is part of our political culture, and I expressed my gratitude for the opportunity that leadership has provided to me and I am fully prepared to do that. However, at the same time, governance requires hard work with honesty. If there are gaps in implementation, they must be highlighted.
Constructive criticism should not be seen as opposition—it should be seen as a way to improve systems. My effort will be to maintain that balance: to support policies that are beneficial, and to raise concerns where improvement is needed. Ultimately, the focus has to remain on the people.
Q: What is your message to the youth of Jharkhand, especially in districts like Palamau?
Dewesh Tiwary: My message to the youth is simple but important: do not remain passive observers of the system—become active participants in it.
Today’s generation is more aware, more connected, and more capable than ever before. But awareness alone is not enough. If young people only discuss problems without engaging in solutions, change will remain slow.
I encourage the youth to take interest in governance—understand how schemes work, ask questions, and hold systems accountable. Even small steps, like participating in local meetings, raising issues responsibly, or contributing ideas, can create impact.
At the same time, I would urge them not to lose hope in their own regions. Migration should be a choice, not a compulsion. For that to happen, we need collective effort—government, society, and especially the youth.
Jharkhand has immense potential, and its future will be shaped by how its young population chooses to engage with challenges. If they step forward with responsibility and determination, change is not just possible—it is inevitable.