With fresh ideas, Deora takes charge in telecom ministry

Milind Deora, who took charge as Minister of State for IT and Communication today, said he looked forward to doing "something new...with fresh ideas" in coordination with his young colleague Sachin Pilot in the ministry.

A two-time Congress MP from South Mumbai, the 34-year old Deora said there is scope for improvement in the ministry, while emphasising on maximising telecom penetration in the country. He said he would identify the areas which require improvement.

"The way things have been done traditionally...where we can improve and where we can bring in some fresh ideas. I am here too...to bring in some knowledge...," he said.

Deora, who is son of Congress veteran and former Corporate Affairs Minister Mural Deora joins his friend Pilot, under senior Minister Kapil Sibal.

"I am happy to have a friend and colleague Sachin Pilot. So I am looking forward to doing something new. Perhaps we are looking at some of the issue related to the ministry..." Deora said.

Deora who expressed his "sincere gratitude" to UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, also praised Sibal whom he met before taking charge.

"I think he is a very fine minister to work under," the junior minister, a graduate from Mumbai and Boston University, said.

An accomplished guitarist, Deora refused to comment on his predecessor Gurudas Kamat, who resigned apparently upset over the new portfolio offered to him.

"I really don't want to speak on it. It is a very positive day for me," Deora said.

Asked about his priorities, he said it would be to increase telephony services on rural areas at affordable prices.

"The service offered will have to be affordable, but has to give revenue to the government as well," he said.