NEW DELHI: On Friday, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju assumed charge of the Ministry of Earth Sciences. He expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for giving him this "very important" responsibility, saying it would be crucial to the realisation of India's 2047 Vision for a Developed Nation.
The Minister in his official Twitter handle wrote, “With great humility, I've taken charge as Minister of Earth Sciences at New Delhi. Had first briefing meeting with senior officers & Senior Scientists of the Ministry's various organizations.”
Speaking to the media, Rijiju promised that the welfare of the average person will be at the forefront of every choice the ministry made. He emphasised the role of the ministry in tackling environmental issues and maximising the use of natural resources.
Rijiju oversaw a succinct presentation made by senior officials, including those from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), at the briefing. He expressed his goal to improve weather forecast capabilities for the public by announcing that the complete Weather Forecast System would be re-calibrated in the upcoming days.
Rijiju was notably transferred to the Ministry of Earth Sciences after losing his responsibility for the law and justice ministry. As the Minister of State in the Ministry of Law and Justice, Arjun Ram Meghwal, in contrast, added this autonomous responsibility to his already existing ministries.
A crucial part of addressing environmental issues and maximising the potential of natural resources is played by the Ministry of Earth Sciences, which is in charge of developing policies and carrying out programmes related to earth systems, oceans, and weather.
On Thursday, Rijiju's portfolio for the ministry of earth sciences was given to him in place of the law and justice one. Rijiju was replaced as minister of state in the ministry of law and justice by Arjun Ram Meghwal, who also received his current duties.
Kiren Rijiju described the process as a "routine process" on Friday, one day after losing his role as Union Law Minister during the cabinet reshuffle. He also emphasised that it is not a punishment for him, but rather a component of the prime minister's programme.
"This shifting is a routine process. It's the Prime Minister's vision. Somebody has to take the responsibility. There hasn't been any mistake. It's the opposition's duty to speak against me, let them speak," Rijiju said.
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