Young guns finally get a chance

Criticised repeatedly for not giving younger MPs a chance to prove themselves in government, the UPA has pushed up some of its most competent fresher faces to the rank of minister of state (MoS) with independent charge of ministries. HT reports.

Criticised repeatedly for not giving younger MPs a chance to prove themselves in government, the UPA has pushed up some of its most competent fresher faces to the rank of minister of state (MoS) with independent charge of ministries.

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Jyotiraditya Scindia, Sachin Pilot and Jitendra Singh have been elevated from MoS — where they worked under a cabinet minister — to MoS (independent charge) where they are bosses of their ministries.

Their promotions are being viewed as recognition for their competent and proactive work in their earlier assignments as junior ministers and as a move to give them greater responsibility and a chance to prove themselves further.

Former Congress spokesman Manish Tewari has been appointed MoS (independent charge) at the information and broadcasting ministry.

Scindia, who was MoS in the commerce ministry, is now in charge of the crucial power ministry at a time when the sector faces a major fuel supply shortage and environmental block that are curtailing power generation.

"Priorities will be to ensure proper electric supply. Both the government and private firms work in tandem for the united goal of country's progress," Scindia, a Stanford University graduate, said. “As is the UPA government's vision, I will try to make sure that remote areas of the country get power supply.”

Pilot, MoS in the ministry of communications and information technology in the outgoing council of ministers is now in charge of the ministry of corporate affairs, a crucial responsibility at a time companies linked to several politicians and family members are under the scanner.

Singh, earlier MoS in the home ministry, is now in charge of sports and youth affairs.

Tewari takes charge of the I&B ministry at a time when the government faces a major perception battle, hit by repeated allegations of scams involving ministers.

Telugu thespian Chiranjeevi has also been made MoS (independent charge), and will head the tourism ministry.