Ajit Singh takes charge of ‘sensitive’ civil aviation

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A day after being inducted into the union cabinet, Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) chief Ajit Singh on Monday took charge of the civil aviation ministry, which he described as a "sensitive" sector.

Singh said his assignment is in a sensitive and challenging sector and he will spell out the roadmap for the industry in the coming few days.

"This is a very sensitive sector and I am taking my time to understand it," Singh told reporters at the Rajiv Gandhi Bhavan, the headquarters of the civil aviation ministry here. The 72-year-old took the charge of the ministry from Vayalar Ravi, who simultaneously also held the overseas Indian affairs portfolio. Singh will have his hands full as the industry is in a financial mess due to rising jet fuel prices and high interest cost.

Singh, a six-time member of the Lok Sabha, was sworn-in as cabinet minister on Sunday, days after his party joined the ruling United Progressive Alliance (UPA) ahead of upcoming elections to the Uttar Pradesh assembly.