Reshuffle 2012: New ministers on the block

The much anticipated Cabinet makeover in the Manmohan Singh government brought in it's wake a few surprises, some disappointments and the usual chorus of disapproval from the Opposition. Here's a look at some of the new ministers -

JITIN PRASADA,
MoS, HRD Ministry

"My priority is to ensure that the Right to Education Act is implemented properly and its benefits reach the poor, especially the rural areas"

PALLAM RAJU,
Cabinet Minister, HRD

The erstwhile Minister of State for Defence has now been handed the crucial and controvery laden ministry, taking over from Kapil Sibal.

SACHIN PILOT,
MoS (independent charge) for Corporate Affairs

"I don't believe the govts should be prejudiced or bipartisan.We have to create a culture of transparency..."

PAWAN BANSAL
Railway Minister

"We are open to revising passenger fares if it is needed to improve services...The aim is not to earn profits...We want to run the railways on sound financial principles."

MANISH TEWARI
MoS (independent charge) Information & Broadcasting ministry

"I&B ministry doesn't really have a regulatory remit.We have a remit which is to see that the ground rules are properly laid"

JYOTIRADITYA SCINDIA
MoS (independent charge) for Power

"Power is an extremely strategic and important sector for the economy.It is a very big challenge and a very big charge"