FRESH CHALLENGES, PROMISES GALORE

A day after the cabinet reshuffle, HT takes a look at the key challenges the new ministers face

PRAKASH JAVADEKAR, HRD

To bring in a new national education policy that is acceptable to stakeholders Sort out differences with the PMO over the IIM bill Ensure that key appointments are filled We will have to find if education is actually fulfilling the aspirations of poor or not, and therefore quality of education is very important

RAVI SHANKAR PRASAD, Law

Finalising Memorandum of Procedure for appointment of judges Fast-tracking judicial appointments in high courts ■ which have more than 40% vacancies Bringing down government litigation and ■ augmenting courts’ infrastructure The justice delivery system is integral to good governance. Infrastructure is there. Appointments have to be made faster

ANIL MADHAV DAVE, Environment

Restoring environment ministry’s image of raising voice for environment in the government Acting on environment regulation reforms recommended by TSR Subramaniam Committee Ensuring disbursement of `42,000 crore Campa Fund › One should always (move ahead) with the right intention, right action and in the right direction. This should be kept (in mind) without thinking of criticism

PIYUSH GOYAL, Mines

Boost private investment in mining Raise exploration to exploit rich mineral blocks Attention to rehabilitation Check illegal mining ■ I expect mining to contribute 1% to the GDP in the next 1-2 years. My aim will be to bring in transparency as mining contributes to GDP

VENKAIAH NAIDU, I&B

Revamping govt’s communication strategy Cable TV digitisation to allow to watch and pay for only subscribed channels Revamp of the existing censorship norms › I don’t consider this (ministry) as a challenge, it is an opportunity. My agenda will be making people partners in development; it will be perform, reform and transform

ANANTH KUMAR, Parliamentary Affairs

Clearing the backlog of the pending bills Need to walk an extra mile to manage the Congress on the floor of the House Evolving support for the goods and services tax bill My aim is to get the GST bill passed in this session. It has been stuck for a long time and it’s necessary now to pass it for the benefit of the poor

NARENDRA S TOMAR, Rural Development

Fulfil PM Narendra Modi’s assurance to double income of rural population Increase number of work days under MGNREGA and improve assets creation Aadhar enrolment for better service to rural areas Rural development is the only way for realising national development. My attempt will be to realise the Prime Minister’s dreams for the rural sector