Deshmukh takes charge of science and technology ministry

New Delhi, July 19 (ANI): Newly appointed Science and Technology and Earth Sciences Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh on Tuesday took charge of the ministry in Delhi.

Speaking to mediapersons, Deshmukh said before taking any decision he would have to thoroughly understand the procedure and working of the ministry.

"I have taken charge of the office today and I need to understand a lot of things. The subject is relatively new for me. Since the subject is new, it is better to understand it first before giving any opinion or statement on any related matter. Therefore I need sometime to understand everything and after that I will talk to you (mediapersons)," he said.

In the recent cabinet reshuffle, Federal Minister, Vilasrao Deshmukh was shifted from Ministry of Rural Development to Ministry of Science and Technology and Earth Sciences.

Though, Deshmukh's reshuffle is being considered as demotion in political circles, he rejected such claims and expressed his happiness with the new responsibility that was entrusted on him.

"Nobody is angry and what is the need for getting angry?

Q: Do you feel it as a demotion as you were the minister for rural development for a very short span of time?

A: This is not a demotion. Prime Minister is the chairman of the department and I am the vice chairman, so is this the demotion? This organisation's chairman is the Prime Minister and its vice-chairman is the Minister for Science and Technology, so if you consider this as demotion, then it is a kind of joke," he said.

Jairam Ramesh, the former Environment Minister was promoted and given the Ministry of Rural Development. (ANI)