Mukherjee condoles Sis Ram Ola's death

President Pranab Mukherjee has condoled the passing away of Union Minister Sis Ram Ola, saying that the nation has lost an eminent leader and social worker who was always in touch with the grassroots of society.

The 86-year-old Congress leader died at a Gurgaon hospital on Sunday morning after a prolonged illness.

In a condolence message to his wife, Shiv Bai Ola, Mukherjee has said: "I am deeply saddened to learn about the passing away of your husband, Sis Ram Ola who was a friend and colleague of long years.

"Ola made immense contribution to our people and nation through long years of service as a senior Congress leader, Parliamentarian and Minister in the Union Government as well as State Government of Rajasthan. The efforts he made for the welfare of the people of Rajasthan as well as the impetus he provided for the development of the state will always be remembered," he said.

"Ola paid particular attention to the education of girls and protection of the environment. His services to society was duly recognized by the nation through the conferring of a Padma Shri award in 1968," he added.

A five-time Member of Parliament, Ola represented the Jhunjhunu constituency of Rajasthan.

Born on July 30, 1927, Ola had served eight terms as a Member of the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly from 1957 to 1990 and then from 1993 to 1996.

Between 1980 and 1990, he had served as a Cabinet Minister in the Rajasthan Government, handling various portfolios such as Panchayati Raj, Rural Development, Forests and Environment, Irrigation, Transport, Cooperatives, and Excise.

He was elected to the 11th Lok Sabha in 1996 and served as Union Minister of State (independent charge) for Chemicals and Fertilisers and later for Water Resources.

He was re-elected to the 12th Lok Sabha in 1998, the 13th in 1999 and the 14th in 2004, when he was made Cabinet Minister for Labour and Employment and later for Mines.

He was re-elected to the 15th Lok Sabha in 2009 and in June this year was inducted into the Union Cabinet as Minister for Labour and Employment.

Ola was the recipient of the Padma Shri award in 1968 for social work.