New cabinet ministers take charge of their offices

New Delhi, May 29 (ANI): Newly inducted ministers took charge of their offices in different ministries on Friday.

Former United Nations diplomat and writer Shashi Tharoor, who was appointed as the Minister of State in the Ministry of External Affairs, said he would work towards strengthening India's place in the world.

"India's place in the world is of great importance. India has had an honoured place in the world. I wish to make my own contribution to strengthening that very honoured place," said Tharoor.

Preneet Kaur also took charge as Minister of State in the Ministry of External Affairs along with Tharoor.

Jairam Ramesh, who took charge as the Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Environment and Forests, is also expected to play a crucial role keeping in view the negotiations on global warming which are on agenda later this year.

Meanwhile, Kapil Sibal took charge of the Ministry of Human Resource Development. Petroleum Minister Murli Deora and Minister of State for Petroleum Jitin Prasada also took charge of their offices.

Fifty-nine new ministers including 14 of the cabinet rank were sworn-in by President Pratibha Patil on Thursday.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was successful in bringing the key allies to his new government.

Singh's new Council of Ministers includes 59 from the Congress and 19 from five allies- seven each from the DMK and the Trinamool Congress, three from the Nationalist Congress Party and one each from the Muslim League and the National Conference. (ANI)