Rajasthan Deputy CM, host of ministers take charge of depts

Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot and most members of the council of ministers took charge of their departments Thursday.

Portfolio allocation was done late Wednesday night, two days after Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot expanded his cabinet by inducting 23 legislators.Gehlot and Pilot had taken the oath of office on December 17.

Gehlot has kept nine departments, including the key finance and home, with himself.

Pilot arrived here Thursday morning and took charge of his office at the Rajasthan secretariat.

"People have given their mandate, and now the government will deliver. We will work as a collective leadership. Ours is a balanced cabinet with new, young and experienced members," he told reporters after taking charge.

The deputy chief minister has been allotted five departments, including public works, rural development and panchayti Raj.

The government will release a 100-day action plan.The challenges before the government will be dealt with and "we will move ahead with a positive approach", Pilot said.

He said the decisions by Congress president Rahul Gandhi regarding portfolio allocation were taken after feedback and suggestions. These are balanced decisions, the deputy chief minister said.

"I want to thank Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, other leaders and chief minister who took all (everybody's feedback and suggestions) and formed the new government," Pilot said.

He left for his assembly constituency, Tonk, after paying floral tributes at a statue of Mahatma Gandhi at the secretariat.

Raghu Sharma, who was allotted the health portfolio, after taking charge, said, "I have listed my priorities to officials and zero-tolerance for corruption tops my list."