Critical changes in cabinet reshuffle
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Indian Prime Minister (PM) Manmohan Singh reshuffled hiscabinet this week in a fleeting swat at criticism of government performance.
Political observers have criticised the top economicministries of poor performance which prompted the reshuffle ahead of electionsthis year.
However the rejig has all but dissatisfied Delhi’spolitical pundits. Many wanted to see ministers dropped from the cabinetaltogether, but instead Singh has simply demoted some Ministers and promotedothers.
The reshuffle will have an impact on the travel andtourism industry as Ministers come and go.
Shri Praful Patel, has left his post as Minister of CivilAviation having made a strong impact in the role and forced major changes inthe aviation industry in recent months.
This is perhaps less than ideal timing as the ministryloses a strong leader at stage when critical change is in motion.
The fares row with airlines is still not settled, new jetfuel tax proposals are being considered and an ombudsman is being setup toprotect air passenger interest.
Today Patel takes over the Ministry of Heavy Industriesand Public Enterprises. While taking charge of his new assignment, he statedthat he would renew the efforts of re-energising the public sector enterprisesunder the Department of Heavy Industries.
Vayalar Ravi steps into Patel’s shoes at the CivilAviation Ministry, leaving his post in Overseas Indian Affairs, a healthypromotion by all accounts. His stated goal, according to TOI, is to recaptureglory for the national carrier, Air India.
The Ministry of Roads and Highways has also lost itsleader who has been elevated to Minster of Urban Development.
Kamal Nath had been in charge of Roads and Highway forjust one year and is replaced by C P Joshi who makes a lateral move from ruraldevelopment to roads.
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