Ensuring proper security to volunteers involved in social audit and implementation of NREGA at the grass-root level would be among the priorities of the new minister for rural development C P Joshi, who assumed office here today.
Speaking to reporters soon after taking over as the minister at his office in Krishi Bhavan, Joshi said, "All volunteers involved in social audit under National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) should be given protection."
The minister said it is an accepted fact that unless rural areas are not properly developed, urban areas cannot grow, as a strong economy requires a strong rural base.
On being asked as to why he chose to become the rural development minister, Joshi said, "It is the prerogative of the Prime Minister. However, I have been a minister in the state cabinet (in Rajasthan) and a four-time MLA. I have interest in the social sector. I will try to put in my best effort as a minister in this sector."
The new minister, however, said rural development is a vast area and he needs to understand the core issues before tackling them.
"Let me understand the issues first from my colleagues and then I will be in a better position to tackle them," Joshi said.