In the newly announced PM Narendra Modi-led Cabinet of the NDA government, Jyotiraditya Scindia will be serving as the Minister of Communications and the Minister of Development of the North Eastern Region. This marks his first time handling these ministries. In the previous Modi government, Scindia was the Civil Aviation Minister.
Scindia succeeds Ashwini Vaishnaw in the Ministry of Communications. He is not a stranger to this department, having served as the Minister of State for Communications in the Congress-led UPA government. His extensive experience in various ministerial roles positions him well to meet the expectations set by his predecessor.
Scindia’s immediate responsibilities will include implementing the rules for the telecommunications bill and establishing guidelines for the satellite spectrum. Conducting the 5G spectrum auction will be a top priority, along with advancing India’s 6G development as the vision is already set by PM Modi. His reputation as a straightforward and effective minister in the civil aviation sector is expected to aid him in navigating these challenges successfully.
Joining Scindia in the Ministry of Communications is Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, appointed as the Minister of State. Pemmasani, a newcomer to the cabinet, also holds the portfolio of Minister of State in the Ministry of Rural Development. The MBBS-turned-politician from the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), Pemmasani, who is replacing BJP’s Devusinh Chauhan in the cabinet, made headlines for being the richest candidate during the Lok Sabha elections.
Pemmasani’s previous experience in organizing party programs in the US and running a successful online learning platform, UWorld, demonstrates his leadership and management abilities. However, transitioning from healthcare to telecommunications could be a significant challenge. His collaboration with the experienced Scindia will be crucial for navigating these complexities and maintaining the momentum of India’s telecom development.
Paritosh Prajapati, CEO of GX Group, said: “As our new Telecom Minister has been appointed, there will be some challenges ahead to transform India’s telecommunications landscape. Primary challenges would include expanding digital infrastructure to rural and underserved areas, ensuring affordable and reliable connectivity for all citizens, and fostering innovation in the sector. By addressing these areas head-on, India can drive economic growth, bridge the digital divide, and position India as a global leader in telecommunications technology.”
Lt Gen Dr SP Kochhar, Director General of Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), told News18: “COAI on behalf of the telecom industry is pleased to welcome Jyotiraditya Scindia as the Minister of Communications and Minister of Development of North Eastern Region. Under the visionary leadership of our PM, the past decade has been marked by significant efforts to revive the industry and bring the digital revolution to the masses. In the continued spirit and vision, we look forward to working with Minister Scindia to advance further policy reforms and spearhead pioneering initiatives that will elevate the digital revolution to the next level, integrating a variety of technological innovations.”
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