Who is Arjun Ram Meghwal, the New Law Minister of India after Kiren Rijiju?
Arjun Ram Meghwal, a Member of Parliament (MP) representing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) from Rajasthan, has been appointed as the new Union Minister for Law in a significant reshuffle of the Union cabinet. This appointment brings Meghwal additional responsibilities, including the charge of culture and parliamentary affairs as Minister of State, along with an independent charge of the law ministry. It is worth noting that Meghwal did not previously hold a cabinet rank but now leads the law ministry. He succeeds Kiren Rijiju, who has been reassigned to the Ministry of Earth Sciences following his expression of criticism towards the collegium system for appointing judges.
Arjun Ram Meghwal was born on December 20, 1953, in a small village in the Thar Desert of Bikaner. He has an impressive educational background, having completed his bachelor's degree in law from Dungar College in Bikaner in 1977 and a post-graduation in political science in 1979. Additionally, he holds an MBA degree, further enhancing his educational profile.
Before entering politics, Meghwal pursued various professions, including civil service, social work, farming, and education. He started his career as a retired Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer and qualified for the Rajasthan administrative services in 1982. This accomplishment led to his election to the Rajasthan Udhyog Seva, where he served as the District Magistrate (Collector) in the Government of Rajasthan.
Having been involved in politics for over a decade, Arjun Ram Meghwal has become a prominent figure within the BJP. During Prime Minister Modi's first term, he served as the Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs, Water Resources, River Development, and Ganga Rejuvenation. His tenure in these ministries provided him with a deep understanding of governance and legislative processes.
In 2009, Meghwal won a seat in the Lok Sabha as an MP from Bikaner and was re-elected in the 2014 general election for the 16th Lok Sabha. Notably, during his second term as an MP, he held the prestigious position of Chief Whip of the BJP in Lok Sabha, demonstrating his strong leadership skills and ability to navigate the political landscape. He was also appointed as the Chairman of the House Committee in the lower house by the Speaker, further emphasizing his influential role in parliamentary proceedings.