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Narendra Modi took oath as the Prime Minister of India for the third consecutive term at a swearing-in ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Sunday, June 9. Modi is the first three-term Prime Minister since Jawaharlal Nehru. Over 72 ministers were sworn into the new NDA government. Decisions regarding the new cabinet were made following a meeting at the Prime Minister’s residence yesterday. Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, Nirmala Sitharaman, and S Jaishankar, who held the home, defense, finance, and external affairs ministries respectively in the previous government, along with other senior members such as Piyush Goyal, Dharmendra Pradhan, Ashwini Vaishnaw, and Hardeep Singh Puri, are part of the new administration.
The swearing-in ceremony was attended by Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, and Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay.
New Faces in the Cabinet
Prominent among the new entrants is Anurag Thakur, who has been assigned the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. Thakur, a dynamic leader with a proven track record in Parliament, is expected to bring a renewed focus on youth engagement and sports development.
Another notable appointment is Jyotiraditya Scindia, who has been given charge of the Ministry of Civil Aviation. Scindia’s inclusion is anticipated to drive reforms in the aviation sector, especially in the wake of the industry’s post-pandemic recovery phase.
Sarbananda Sonowal, former Chief Minister of Assam, has been appointed Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways. His extensive administrative experience and understanding of the northeastern region are expected to boost infrastructural development and trade connectivity.
Key Portfolios Reallocated
In addition to the new faces, several existing ministers have seen changes in their portfolios. Nirmala Sitharaman, who previously held the finance portfolio, has been reassigned to the Ministry of Defence. Sitharaman’s move comes at a time when India is focusing on strengthening its defense capabilities amid regional security concerns.
Raj Kumar Singh has been appointed the new Finance Minister, a role critical to navigating India’s economic recovery. Singh’s background in administration and his previous experience in the Ministry of Power are expected to help steer economic policies towards sustainable growth.
Emphasis on Regional and Gender Balance
The reshuffle also reflects the government’s emphasis on regional and gender balance. Several ministers from underrepresented states and communities have been inducted, underscoring the administration’s commitment to inclusive development. Noteworthy among them is Meenakshi Lekhi, who has been appointed Minister of State for External Affairs, making her one of the key female figures in the cabinet.
Reactions and Expectations
The reshuffle has elicited varied reactions from political analysts and the public. Supporters of the government view the changes as a positive step towards more efficient governance. “The new ministers bring a wealth of experience and fresh perspectives that are crucial for addressing contemporary challenges,” said Dr. Arvind Panagariya, a former NITI Aayog Vice Chairman.
Opposition leaders, however, have expressed skepticism. “This reshuffle is merely a cosmetic change. The real issues of unemployment and inflation need substantive policy changes, not just new faces,” stated Rahul Gandhi of the Indian National Congress.
Looking Ahead
As the newly appointed ministers settle into their roles, the coming months will be crucial for the Modi government. The effectiveness of these changes will be closely watched, particularly in areas such as economic recovery, defense, and infrastructure development. The reshuffle reflects the government’s strategy to stay agile and responsive to the evolving needs of the nation, setting the stage for the next phase of governance.
In conclusion, yesterday’s oath ceremony marks a significant moment in Indian politics, with the potential to shape the country’s trajectory in the run-up to the 2024 elections. The new ministers face the dual challenge of meeting public expectations and delivering on the promises of development and good governance.