Giriraj Singh today took over as the Minister of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) with independent charge at an emotional farewell to his predecessor and senior BJP leader Kalraj Mishra.
Singh was earlier minister of state in the same ministry. Mishra resigned as the minister last week.
Giving an emotional farewell speech, Singh described Mishra as a father figure who has guided him as well as the ministry.
"I will always seek his support. He is like a guardian and will always remain so. I will always follow his teachings," Singh said.
Mishra (76) said that he resigned in deference to the wishes of the party leadership that people above 75 years should not remain in the council of ministers.
Mishra said that he had formulated a vision for the ministry and hope that the officers would work like a solid team to achieve the objectives.
Meanwhile, quoting Singh the ministry said in a statement that he will strive forward to increase employment under MSMEs and ensure that the sector do not face any hurdle.
Mishra hopes that his successor will finish the pending works and fulfill the dream of the prime minister.
(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)