Rajeev Shukla takes over as MoS planning

Journalist-turned-politician Rajeev Shukla on Monday took charge as minister of state (MoS) for planning and emphasized on developmental priority in naxal affected areas during the 12th five year plan (2012-17).

Journalist-turned-politician Rajeev Shukla on Monday took charge as minister of state (MoS) for planning and emphasized on developmental priority in naxal affected areas during the 12th five year plan (2012-17).

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"Naxal-hit area is our top priority. We need to focus on bringing people in these areas back to the main stream at the earliest possible. For achieving this in the 12th Plan, we will have to focus on improving inclusiveness of the development process through effective implementation of the policies," he said after assuming office at Yojana Bhawan.

He said that during the current economic situation there was a need to create awareness about the government policies among the people.

When asked about people's perception about the Planning Commission as an armchair advisor, he said that his endeavour would be to increase coordination among the Commission and other ministries to ensure effective implementation of the long drawn policies of the government.