Pradhan, who took charge in New Delhi said "The people of the country have large expectations from the new government and this government is dedicated to the welfare of the poor."
Stating that the country needed to reduce import dependence and secure energy needs, he said efforts would be made to make it self-reliant.
Pradhan said that the Indian economy had an important role in the world economy, and he would endeavour to make contributions to this effect.
He said that he would study issues being dealt in the Ministry, and discuss them with senior officers, so that decisions could be formulated in the interest of the poor and the country.
Pradhan had a detailed briefing about the issues in the Ministry in a meeting with the senior officials.