Mr Lal Chand Kataria today assumed the charge of Minister of State for Rural Development. Talking to media, he said that the subject of rural development is very close to his heart as he himself comes from the rural background. Mr Kataria said that his primary focus in the Ministry will be to strenthen MGNREGA scheme. He also informed that he will take particular interest in the Rajiv Gandhi Bhawans to be linked with IT in the Panchayats.

Replying to a volley of questions regarding the change of portfolio, the Minister said that there is no controversy as such, as it is the prerogative of the Prime Minister to assign portfolios.