Voices of Gujarat: ‘Women’s Health Ignored’, ‘Many Are Unemployed’

A 52-year-old development sector worker, a professor, a student and an NGO worker tell The Quint about the factors that will define their vote this Gujarat Assembly election.

'Health and Education Sector Need to Improve': 52-Year-Old Development Sector Worker

Development sector worker, Vijayalakshmi Das, is of the view that "the status of women in Gujarat has reduced". Women's health and education are key areas that need improvement, she says.

The 52-year-old, who migrated to Gujarat from Tamil Nadu years ago, says:

The type of education which I could get free of cost in Tamil Nadu is not available to women in Gujarat.

Vijayalakshmi Das

Gujarat may be popularly perceived as a state of entrepreneurs, but the participation of women in the field of entrepreneurship is very limited, she says.

'Can't Vote For BJP Since Unemployment is a Big Issue': 60-Year-Old Professor

Professor Hemant Kumar Shah says he will not vote for the BJP because of unemployment as well as the state of education in Gujarat.

“Unemployment is a big issue in Gujarat. According to government estimates, almost 20 lakh people are unemployed. There are 5 and a half lakh people who asked for jobs under NREGA, but very few people have actually got the jobs. This means that villages are also plagued by unemployment, just like the cities,” says the 60-year-old.

Professors and vice-chancellors are scared to talk about vikas in universities. They ask us not to get people who will talk negatively about vikas. This should not happen in a democracy.

Hemant Kumar Shah

Many Localities Remain Dirty; Swachh Bharat Abhiyan Needs Proper Focus: 32-Year-Old

Fashion design student Nima Gandhi is of the view that while the BJP is doing good work, there are certain areas that call for greater effort.

Taking the example of the Modi government's flagship scheme Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, the 32-year-old says:

Though the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan has been launched, a lot of work still needs to be done. The focus seems to be only on the well-known, posh areas, while the various other areas continue to remain dirty. The focus has to be on places where there is an actual need for cleanliness.

Nima Gandhi

'Need More Focus on Education and Healthcare': 46-Year-Old NGO Owner

For 46-year-old radio announcer and NGO owner Hemal Dave, education and healthcare are the primary issues on her mind in the run-up to the Assembly elections in Gujarat.

There is a need to focus more on healthcare and education. In a village, there are cases where even class 7 student cannot read or write properly.

Hemal Dave

She also emphasises on the need to have more transparency in the government, saying that this would help various organisations as well as people like her to take Gujarat forward.

Click here to listen to more such voices from Gujarat.

(Voices of Gujarat: Tired of listening to netas make promises? As Gujarat goes to polls, The Quint wants to listen to the real voices of Gujarat – the voters. Tell us what issues matter to you this election season. Send in your videos to [e-mail] or WhatsApp @ [phone])