Jitendra Singh (politician, born 1956): Difference between revisions

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{{Use Indian English|date=November 2019}}
{{Use Indian English|date=November 2019}}
{{Infobox officeholder
{{Infobox officeholder
| honorific-prefix = '''[[physician|Dr.]]'''
| name          = Jitendra Singh
| name          = Jitendra Singh
| image          = Jitendra Singh.jpg
| image          = Jitendra Singh.jpg
| caption        = Singh on a video conference meeting, c.2021
| caption        = Singh on a video conference meeting in 2021
| birth_date    = {{Birth date and age |1956|11|6|df=y}}
| birth_date    = {{Birth date and age |1956|11|6|df=y}}
| birth_place    = [[Jammu]], [[Jammu and Kashmir (state)|Jammu and Kashmir]], [[India]]
| birth_place    = [[Jammu]], [[Jammu and Kashmir (state)|Jammu and Kashmir]], [[India]]
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| predecessor3  =  
| predecessor3  =  
| successor3    =  
| successor3    =  
| office4        = [[Minister of Earth Sciences]]
| office5        =  
| term_start4    = 26 May 2014
| term_end4      = 8 November 2014
| primeminister4 = [[Narendra Modi]]
| predecessor4  = [[Jaipal Reddy]]
| successor4    = [[Harsh Vardhan (Delhi politician)|Harsh Vardhan]]
| office5        = [[Minister of Science and Technology (India)|Minister of Science and Technology]]
| term_start5    = 26 May 2014
| term_start5    = 26 May 2014
| term_end5      = 8 November 2014
| term_end5      = 8 November 2014
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| predecessor5  = [[Jaipal Reddy]]
| predecessor5  = [[Jaipal Reddy]]
| successor5    = [[Harsh Vardhan (Delhi politician)|Harsh Vardhan]]
| successor5    = [[Harsh Vardhan (Delhi politician)|Harsh Vardhan]]
| office6        = [[Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha]]
| office4        = [[Minister of Earth Sciences]]
| constituency6 = [[Udhampur (Lok Sabha constituency)|Udhampur]], [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)|J&K]]
| term_start4    = 7 July 2021
| term_start6   = 5 June 2014
| term_end4      =
| predecessor6   = [[Chaudhary Lal Singh]]
| primeminister4 = [[Narendra Modi]]
| predecessor4    = [[Harsh Vardhan (Delhi politician)|Dr. Harsh Vardhan]]
| office6       = [[Minister of Science and Technology (India)|Minister of Science and Technology]]
| term_start6    = 26 May 2014
| term_end6      = 8 November 2014
| primeminister6 = [[Narendra Modi]]
| predecessor6  = [[Jaipal Reddy]]
| successor6    = [[Harsh Vardhan (Delhi politician)|Harsh Vardhan]]
| office7       = [[Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha]]
| constituency7 = [[Udhampur (Lok Sabha constituency)|Udhampur]], [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)|J&K]]
| term_start7   = 5 June 2014
| predecessor7   = [[Chaudhary Lal Singh]]
| alma_mater    = [[Stanley Medical College]] ([[M.B.B.S.]])<br />[[Government Medical College, Jammu]] ([[Doctor of Medicine|M.D.]])   
| alma_mater    = [[Stanley Medical College]] ([[M.B.B.S.]])<br />[[Government Medical College, Jammu]] ([[Doctor of Medicine|M.D.]])   
| party          = [[Bharatiya Janata Party]]
| party          = [[Bharatiya Janata Party]]
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| website        = {{URL|www.drjitendrasingh.in}}
| website        = {{URL|www.drjitendrasingh.in}}
}}
}}
'''Jitendra Singh''' (born 6 November 1956) is an Indian [[physician]] and politician. He is the [[Minister (government)|Minister of State (Independent Charge)]] for the [[Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region]] and [[Minister of State]] for [[Prime Minister's Office (India)|Prime Minister's Office]]; [[Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions|Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions]]; [[Department of Atomic Energy]] and [[Department of Space]].<ref name="auto">[http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/for-better-synergy-maximum-efficiency/article6055075.ece For better synergy, maximum efficiency] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140530011658/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/for-better-synergy-maximum-efficiency/article6055075.ece |date=30 May 2014 }}. The Hindu (28 May 2014). Retrieved on 1 August 2014.</ref>
'''[[physician|Dr.]] Jitendra Singh''' (born 6 November 1956) is an Indian [[physician]] and politician. He is the [[Minister (government)|Minister of State (Independent Charge)]] for the [[Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region|Ministry of Science and Technology]] and Minister of state (independent charge) ministry of earth science and [[Minister of State]] for [[Prime Minister's Office (India)|Prime Minister's Office]]; [[Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions|Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions]]; [[Department of Atomic Energy]] and [[Department of Space]].<ref name="auto">[http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/for-better-synergy-maximum-efficiency/article6055075.ece For better synergy, maximum efficiency] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140530011658/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/for-better-synergy-maximum-efficiency/article6055075.ece |date=30 May 2014 }}. The Hindu (28 May 2014). Retrieved on 1 August 2014.</ref>


He is a [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] (BJP) national executive member and was the chief spokesperson for the union territory of [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)|Jammu and Kashmir]].<ref>[http://www.ndtv.com/elections/article/people/minister-of-state-independent-charge-jitendra-singh-531178 Minister of State (Independent Charge): Jitendra Singh] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140530141752/http://www.ndtv.com/elections/article/people/minister-of-state-independent-charge-jitendra-singh-531178 |date=30 May 2014 }}. NDTV (26 May 2014). Retrieved on 1 August 2014.</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Make the interlocutors' report on Kashmir public: BJP |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-05-14/india/29542904_1_interlocutors-jammu-and-kashmir-kashmir-centric |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130103110517/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-05-14/india/29542904_1_interlocutors-jammu-and-kashmir-kashmir-centric |url-status=dead |archive-date=3 January 2013 |work=[[The Times of India]] |date=14 May 2011 |access-date=14 June 2012 }}</ref> He won the [[Udhampur (Lok Sabha constituency)|Udhampur seat]] in the Indian general election, [[2014 Indian general election|2014]] and [[2019 Indian general election|2019]] for the [[16th Lok Sabha]] and [[17th Lok Sabha]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Profile on BJP Web Site |url=http://www.bjp.org/en/know-your-candidate/candidate/dr-jitendra-singh |access-date=23 April 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140518014228/http://www.bjp.org/en/know-your-candidate/candidate/dr-jitendra-singh |archive-date=18 May 2014 |url-status=live  }}</ref>
He is a [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] (BJP) national executive member and was the chief spokesperson for the union territory of [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)|Jammu and Kashmir]].<ref>[http://www.ndtv.com/elections/article/people/minister-of-state-independent-charge-jitendra-singh-531178 Minister of State (Independent Charge): Jitendra Singh] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140530141752/http://www.ndtv.com/elections/article/people/minister-of-state-independent-charge-jitendra-singh-531178 |date=30 May 2014 }}. NDTV (26 May 2014). Retrieved on 1 August 2014.</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Make the interlocutors' report on Kashmir public: BJP |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-05-14/india/29542904_1_interlocutors-jammu-and-kashmir-kashmir-centric |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130103110517/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-05-14/india/29542904_1_interlocutors-jammu-and-kashmir-kashmir-centric |url-status=dead |archive-date=3 January 2013 |work=[[The Times of India]] |date=14 May 2011 |access-date=14 June 2012 }}</ref> He won the [[Udhampur (Lok Sabha constituency)|Udhampur seat]] in the Indian general election, [[2014 Indian general election|2014]] and [[2019 Indian general election|2019]] for the [[16th Lok Sabha]] and [[17th Lok Sabha]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Profile on BJP Web Site |url=http://www.bjp.org/en/know-your-candidate/candidate/dr-jitendra-singh |access-date=23 April 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140518014228/http://www.bjp.org/en/know-your-candidate/candidate/dr-jitendra-singh |archive-date=18 May 2014 |url-status=live  }}</ref>
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==Early life==
==Early life==
Singh was born on 6 November 1956 at [[Jammu city|Jammu]] in [[Jammu and Kashmir (state)|Jammu and Kashmir]] state to Rajinder Singh and Shanti Devi in a [[Dogra]] family.<ref name="LS">{{cite web |title=Singh, Dr. Jitendra |url=http://loksabhaph.nic.in/Members/MemberBioprofile.aspx?mpsno=4718 |publisher=Lok Sabha |access-date=31 July 2019}}</ref><ref name="DNA"/> His family belongs to [[Marmat (tehsil)|Marmat]] area in [[Doda district]].<ref name="native">{{cite news|last=Wani|first=Abid Hussain|title=Jitendra Singh's native area has no bridges|newspaper=Early Times|location =[[Jammu]]|pages=2|date =16 Apr 2019|url=http://www.earlytimes.in/mobile/newsdet.aspx?q=259935|access-date=12 Jun 2020}}</ref> Jitendra is the eldest of three brothers. His 10-year junior younger brother <nowiki> Devender Singh Rana </nowiki> is also a politician and belongs to the [[Jammu and Kashmir National Conference]] party.<ref name="DNA"/><ref name="IE">{{cite web |title=The doctor is in |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/politics/the-doctor-is-in-11/ |publisher=[[Indian Express]] |access-date=31 July 2019 |date=29 May 2014}}</ref>
Singh was born on 6 November 1956 at [[Jammu city|Jammu]] in [[Jammu and Kashmir (state)|Jammu and Kashmir]] state to Rajinder Singh and Shanti Devi in a [[Dogra]] family.<ref name="LS">{{cite web |title=Singh, Dr. Jitendra |url=http://loksabhaph.nic.in/Members/MemberBioprofile.aspx?mpsno=4718 |publisher=Lok Sabha |access-date=31 July 2019}}</ref><ref name="DNA"/> His family belongs to [[Marmat (tehsil)|Marmat]] area in [[Doda district]].<ref name="native">{{cite news|last=Wani|first=Abid Hussain|title=Jitendra Singh's native area has no bridges|newspaper=Early Times|location =[[Jammu]]|pages=2|date =16 Apr 2019|url=http://www.earlytimes.in/mobile/newsdet.aspx?q=259935|access-date=12 Jun 2020}}</ref> Jitendra is the eldest of three brothers. His 10-year junior younger brother <nowiki> Devender Singh Rana </nowiki> is also a politician who quit [[Jammu and Kashmir National Conference]] party in October, 2021 and joined [[BJP]]<ref name="DNA"/><ref name="IE">{{cite web |title=The doctor is in |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/politics/the-doctor-is-in-11/ |publisher=[[Indian Express]] |access-date=31 July 2019 |date=29 May 2014}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/india-news-omar-abdullah-aide-and-jammu-leader-davinder-singh-rana-leaves-national-conference-to-join-bjp/397310|title = Omar Abdullah Aide and Jammu Leader Davinder Singh Rana Leaves National Conference to Join BJP}}</ref>


Singh received a [[Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery|M.B.B.S.]] degree from [[Stanley Medical College]], [[Chennai]] in 1978 and completed his [[Doctor of Medicine|M.D.]] from [[Government Medical College, Jammu]] in 1984.<ref>{{cite web |title=Dr. Jitendra Singh(Bharatiya Janata Party(BJP)):Constituency- UDHAMPUR(JAMMU & KASHMIR) - Affidavit Information of Candidate |url=https://myneta.info/LokSabha2019/candidate.php?candidate_id=4957 |website=myneta.info |access-date=31 January 2021}}</ref>
Singh received a [[Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery|M.B.B.S.]] degree from [[Stanley Medical College]], [[Chennai]] in 1978 and completed his [[Doctor of Medicine|M.D.]] from [[Government Medical College, Jammu]] in 1984.<ref>{{cite web |title=Dr. Jitendra Singh(Bharatiya Janata Party(BJP)):Constituency- UDHAMPUR(JAMMU & KASHMIR) - Affidavit Information of Candidate |url=https://myneta.info/LokSabha2019/candidate.php?candidate_id=4957 |website=myneta.info |access-date=31 January 2021}}</ref>
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===Parliamentary career===
===Parliamentary career===
In March 2014, the party announced that Singh would contest the upcoming [[2014 Indian general election|general election]] from [[Udhampur (Lok Sabha constituency)|Udhampur constituency]] in his native Jammu.<ref>{{cite news |author1=Masood Hussain |title=Descent in J&K BJP as Nirmal Singh denied ticket |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/descent-in-jk-bjp-as-nirmal-singh-denied-ticket/articleshow/31847093.cms |newspaper=The Economic Times |access-date=31 July 2019 |date=11 March 2014}}</ref> His primary competitor was [[Ghulam Nabi Azad]] of the [[Indian National Congress]] party who was a former [[Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir|chief minister of the state]].<ref>{{cite news |author1=Ahmed Ali Fayyaz |title=The second homecoming |url=https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/the-second-homecoming/article5815819.ece |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=31 July 2019 |date=22 March 2014}}</ref> Singh was elected to the [[Lok Sabha]] after defeating Azad by a margin of 60,976 votes. Singh was polled {{formatnum:487369}} votes while Azad was polled {{formatnum:426393}} votes.<ref>{{cite news |title=2014 Elections Results: Ghulam Nabi Azad fails to make maiden bid from JK, Congress routed from Jammu |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/2014-elections-results-ghulam-nabi-azad-fails-to-make-maiden-bid-from-jk-congress-routed-from-jammu/articleshow/35215968.cms |newspaper=The Economic Times |access-date=31 July 2019 |date=16 March 2014}}</ref>
In March 2014, the party announced that Singh would contest the upcoming [[2014 Indian general election|general election]] from [[Udhampur (Lok Sabha constituency)|Udhampur constituency]] in his native Jammu.<ref>{{cite news |first1=Masood |last1=Hussain |title=Descent in J&K BJP as Nirmal Singh denied ticket |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/descent-in-jk-bjp-as-nirmal-singh-denied-ticket/articleshow/31847093.cms |newspaper=The Economic Times |access-date=31 July 2019 |date=11 March 2014}}</ref> His primary competitor was [[Ghulam Nabi Azad]] of the [[Indian National Congress]] party who was a former [[Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir|chief minister of the state]].<ref>{{cite news |author1=Ahmed Ali Fayyaz |title=The second homecoming |url=https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/the-second-homecoming/article5815819.ece |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=31 July 2019 |date=22 March 2014}}</ref> Singh was elected to the [[Lok Sabha]] after defeating Azad by a margin of 60,976 votes. Singh was polled {{formatnum:487369}} votes while Azad was polled {{formatnum:426393}} votes.<ref>{{cite news |title=2014 Elections Results: Ghulam Nabi Azad fails to make maiden bid from JK, Congress routed from Jammu |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/2014-elections-results-ghulam-nabi-azad-fails-to-make-maiden-bid-from-jk-congress-routed-from-jammu/articleshow/35215968.cms |newspaper=The Economic Times |access-date=31 July 2019 |date=16 March 2014}}</ref>


On 27 May 2014, Singh was appointed [[Minister of State]] in the [[Prime Minister's Office (India)|Prime Minister's Office]], Minister of State for [[Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions|Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions]], Minister of State for [[Department of Atomic Energy]] and [[Department of Space]]. He also became the Union Minister of State (Independent charge) in the [[Ministry of Science and Technology (India)|Ministry of Science and Technology]] and [[Ministry of Earth Sciences]].<ref name="LS"/><ref name="auto"/>
On 27 May 2014, Singh was appointed [[Minister of State]] in the [[Prime Minister's Office (India)|Prime Minister's Office]], Minister of State for [[Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions|Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions]], Minister of State for [[Department of Atomic Energy]] and [[Department of Space]]. He also became the Union Minister of State (Independent charge) in the [[Ministry of Science and Technology (India)|Ministry of Science and Technology]] and [[Ministry of Earth Sciences]].<ref name="LS"/><ref name="auto"/>


In March 2019, the party renominated Singh as its candidate from the Udhampur constituency for the upcoming [[2019 Indian general election|general election]]. His main rival was [[Vikramaditya Singh (politician)|Vikramaditya Singh]] of the Congress party and supported by [[Jammu and Kashmir National Conference]] party. He is also the grandson of [[Hari Singh]], the last monarch of the [[Jammu and Kashmir (princely state)|former princely state]]. Jitendra Singh fought the election on his "development report card".<ref>{{cite web |title=Jitendra Singh to face direct contest with Dogra Maharaja's grandson in Udhampur Lok Sabha seat|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jammu/jitendra-singh-to-face-direct-contest-with-dogra-maharajas-grandson-in-udhampur-lok-sabha-seat/articleshow/68576567.cms |work=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=1 August 2019 |date=26 March 2019}}</ref> Notable campaigners for him included Prime Minister [[Narendra Modi]], party president [[Amit Shah]], [[Ministry of Home Affairs (India)|Home Minister]] [[Rajnath Singh]], [[Ram Madhav]] and cricketer [[Gautam Gambhir]].<ref>{{cite web |title=2019 Lok Sabha polls: J&K's Udhampur awaits a battle of ballots among 4 Rajputs |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/elections/lok-sabha-2019/story/2019-lok-sabha-polls-j-k-s-udhampur-awaits-a-battle-of-ballots-among-4-rajputs-1504446-2019-04-18 |publisher=[[India Today]] |access-date=1 August 2019 |date=18 April 2019}}</ref> Jitendra Singh was re-elected to the Lok Sabha after defeating Vikramaditya Singh by approximately 350,000 votes. Jitendra Singh was polled 7,15,406 votes compared to his rival's 3,66,123 votes.<ref>{{cite news |title=Jitendra Singh attributes victory from Udhampur to BJP workers' hardwork |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/jitendra-singh-attributes-victory-from-udhampur-to-bjp-workers-hardwork-119060701329_1.html |publisher=[[Business Standard]] |access-date=1 August 2019 |date=7 June 2019|newspaper=Business Standard India |last1=India |first1=Press Trust of }}</ref>
In March 2019, the party renominated Singh as its candidate from the Udhampur constituency for the upcoming [[2019 Indian general election|general election]]. His main rival was [[Vikramaditya Singh (politician)|Vikramaditya Singh]] of the Congress party and supported by [[Jammu and Kashmir National Conference]] party. He is also the grandson of [[Hari Singh]], the last monarch of the [[Jammu and Kashmir (princely state)|former princely state]]. Jitendra Singh fought the election on his "development report card".<ref>{{cite web |title=Jitendra Singh to face direct contest with Dogra Maharaja's grandson in Udhampur Lok Sabha seat|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jammu/jitendra-singh-to-face-direct-contest-with-dogra-maharajas-grandson-in-udhampur-lok-sabha-seat/articleshow/68576567.cms |work=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=1 August 2019 |date=26 March 2019}}</ref> Notable campaigners for him included Prime Minister [[Narendra Modi]], party president [[Amit Shah]], [[Ministry of Home Affairs (India)|Home Minister]] [[Rajnath Singh]], [[Ram Madhav]] and cricketer [[Gautam Gambhir]].<ref>{{cite web |title=2019 Lok Sabha polls: J&K's Udhampur awaits a battle of ballots among 4 Rajputs |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/elections/lok-sabha-2019/story/2019-lok-sabha-polls-j-k-s-udhampur-awaits-a-battle-of-ballots-among-4-rajputs-1504446-2019-04-18 |publisher=[[India Today]] |access-date=1 August 2019 |date=18 April 2019}}</ref> Jitendra Singh was re-elected to the Lok Sabha after defeating Vikramaditya Singh by approximately 350,000 votes. Jitendra Singh was polled 7,15,406 votes compared to his rival's 3,66,123 votes.<ref>{{cite news |title=Jitendra Singh attributes victory from Udhampur to BJP workers' hardwork |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/jitendra-singh-attributes-victory-from-udhampur-to-bjp-workers-hardwork-119060701329_1.html |publisher=[[Business Standard]] |access-date=1 August 2019 |date=7 June 2019|newspaper=Business Standard India |agency=Press Trust of India }}</ref>


On 31 May 2019, it was announced that Singh had retained his ministries in the [[Second Modi ministry]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge) 2019: BJP's man in J&K retains all berths from previous term, including Development of North East Region |url=https://www.firstpost.com/politics/jitendra-singh-minister-of-state-independent-charge-2019-bjps-man-in-jk-retains-all-berths-from-previous-term-including-development-of-north-east-region-6726581.html |publisher=First Post |access-date=3 August 2019 |date=31 May 2019}}</ref>
On 31 May 2019, it was announced that Singh had retained his ministries in the [[Second Modi ministry]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge) 2019: BJP's man in J&K retains all berths from previous term, including Development of North East Region |url=https://www.firstpost.com/politics/jitendra-singh-minister-of-state-independent-charge-2019-bjps-man-in-jk-retains-all-berths-from-previous-term-including-development-of-north-east-region-6726581.html |publisher=First Post |access-date=3 August 2019 |date=31 May 2019}}</ref>


===Minister of Science and Technology===
===Minister of Science and Technology===
[[File:Dr. Jitendra Singh taking charge as the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, in New Delhi on May 28, 2014.jpg|thumb|200px| Dr. Jitendra Singh taking charge as the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, in New Delhi on May 28, 2014]]
[[File:Dr. Jitendra Singh taking charge as the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, in New Delhi on May 28, 2014.jpg|thumb|200px|Jitendra Singh as Minister of Science and Technology on May 28, 2014]]
As a minister of science and technology, Singh launched India's first indigenously made [[research vessel]] named "Sindhu Sadhana" on 14 July 2014 from [[Mormugao]] harbour in [[Goa]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Now, India gets first local research vessel |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/now-india-gets-first-local-research-vessel/story-UPkSjf00oB3PfrSz73weZI.html |publisher=[[Hindustan Times]] |access-date=1 August 2019 |date=14 July 2014}}</ref> In a written response to the Lok Sabha on 31 July, he announced that India had signed cooperative arrangements with 33 countries for "peaceful use of outer space". He further added that areas of co-operation included [[remote sensing]] of earth, [[launch service provider|launch services]], satellite communication, [[telemetry]], [[space exploration]] and [[space law]].<ref>{{cite web |title=India Working With 33 Nations For Peaceful Use Of Outer Space |url=https://www.businessinsider.in/india-working-with-33-nations-for-peaceful-use-of-outer-space/articleshow/39345015.cms |publisher=[[Business Insider]] |access-date=1 August 2019 |date=31 July 2014}}</ref> He further launched India's first home-made broad spectrum [[confocal microscopy|confocal microscope]] on 7 October at [[New Delhi]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Dr Jitendra Singh Launch's Product Developed Under CSIR-New Millennium Indian Technology Leadership Initiative (CSIR-NMITLI): A Unique Public -Private - Partnership (PPP) Programme |url=http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=110328 |publisher=Press Information Bureau |access-date=1 August 2019 |date=7 October 2014}}</ref> He announced that the government was considering increasing the retirement age of scientists to 62 years.<ref>{{cite web |title=Retirement age of scientists may be raised to 62 years |url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/retirement-age-of-scientists-may-be-raised-to-62-years-718688.html |publisher=[[News 18]] |access-date=1 August 2019 |date=7 October 2014}}</ref> The ministry increased the stipend of researchers by 50% at the end of the month.<ref>{{cite web |title=Research stipends hiked by over 50% |url=https://www.livemint.com/Politics/rKTUNcwte5tWUeb4pgDdYL/Research-stipends-hiked-by-over-50.html |publisher=Live Mint |access-date=1 August 2019 |date=22 October 2014}}</ref> On 8 November 2014, Singh was replaced by [[Harsh Vardhan (Delhi politician)|Harsh Vardhan]], another doctor as the minister of science and technology and earth sciences.<ref>{{cite web |title=Out of health ministry in just 5 months, Harsh Vardhan takes charge of science and tech ministry |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Out-of-health-ministry-in-just-5-months-Harsh-Vardhan-takes-charge-of-science-and-tech-ministry/articleshow/45105298.cms |work=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=1 August 2019 |date=11 November 2014}}</ref>
As a minister of science and technology, Singh launched India's first indigenously made [[research vessel]] named "Sindhu Sadhana" on 14 July 2014 from [[Mormugao]] harbour in [[Goa]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Now, India gets first local research vessel |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/now-india-gets-first-local-research-vessel/story-UPkSjf00oB3PfrSz73weZI.html |publisher=[[Hindustan Times]] |access-date=1 August 2019 |date=14 July 2014}}</ref> In a written response to the Lok Sabha on 31 July, he announced that India had signed cooperative arrangements with 33 countries for "peaceful use of outer space". He further added that areas of co-operation included [[remote sensing]] of earth, [[launch service provider|launch services]], satellite communication, [[telemetry]], [[space exploration]] and [[space law]].<ref>{{cite web |title=India Working With 33 Nations For Peaceful Use Of Outer Space |url=https://www.businessinsider.in/india-working-with-33-nations-for-peaceful-use-of-outer-space/articleshow/39345015.cms |work=[[Business Insider]] |access-date=1 August 2019 |date=31 July 2014}}</ref> He further launched India's first home-made broad spectrum [[confocal microscopy|confocal microscope]] on 7 October at [[New Delhi]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Dr Jitendra Singh Launch's Product Developed Under CSIR-New Millennium Indian Technology Leadership Initiative (CSIR-NMITLI): A Unique Public -Private - Partnership (PPP) Programme |url=http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=110328 |publisher=Press Information Bureau |access-date=1 August 2019 |date=7 October 2014}}</ref> He announced that the government was considering increasing the retirement age of scientists to 62 years.<ref>{{cite web |title=Retirement age of scientists may be raised to 62 years |url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/retirement-age-of-scientists-may-be-raised-to-62-years-718688.html |publisher=[[News 18]] |access-date=1 August 2019 |date=7 October 2014}}</ref> The ministry increased the stipend of researchers by 50% at the end of the month.<ref>{{cite web |title=Research stipends hiked by over 50% |url=https://www.livemint.com/Politics/rKTUNcwte5tWUeb4pgDdYL/Research-stipends-hiked-by-over-50.html |publisher=Live Mint |access-date=1 August 2019 |date=22 October 2014}}</ref> On 8 November 2014, Singh was replaced by [[Harsh Vardhan (Delhi politician)|Harsh Vardhan]], another doctor as the minister of science and technology and earth sciences.<ref>{{cite web |title=Out of health ministry in just 5 months, Harsh Vardhan takes charge of science and tech ministry |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Out-of-health-ministry-in-just-5-months-Harsh-Vardhan-takes-charge-of-science-and-tech-ministry/articleshow/45105298.cms |work=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=1 August 2019 |date=11 November 2014}}</ref>


===Minister of state in space and atomic energy===
===Minister of state in space and atomic energy===
Line 89: Line 95:
===Minister of state for Personnel, Public Grievances and pension===
===Minister of state for Personnel, Public Grievances and pension===
[[File:Dr. Jitendra Singh taking charge as the Minister for State for Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, in New Delhi on May 27, 2014.jpg|thumb|200px| Dr. Jitendra Singh taking charge as the Minister for State for Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, in New Delhi on May 27, 2014]]
[[File:Dr. Jitendra Singh taking charge as the Minister for State for Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, in New Delhi on May 27, 2014.jpg|thumb|200px| Dr. Jitendra Singh taking charge as the Minister for State for Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, in New Delhi on May 27, 2014]]
During Singh's tenure as the minister of personnel, public grievances and pension, the [[Union Public Service Commission]] refused to count the marks of English comprehension in the [[Civil Services Examination (India)|Civil Services Aptitude Test]]. This violated the status quo of the question paper as suggested by the [[Arvind Varma]] committee.<ref>{{cite web |title=UPSC row: Modi govt should worry about careers, not only BJP votes |url=https://www.firstpost.com/politics/upsc-row-modi-govt-should-worry-about-careers-not-only-bjp-votes-1649413.html |publisher=First Post |access-date=1 August 2019 |date=5 August 2014}}</ref> Interviews were discontinued for lower tier government jobs as well the need of attestation by a gazetted officer was also discontinued.<ref name="dispatch"/> On 20 March 2019, [[Pinaki Chandra Ghose]], a former [[Supreme Court of India|Supreme Court]] judge was appointed as India's first [[Lokpal]].<ref name="dispatch"/><ref>{{cite web |title=India's First Lokpal Appointed: Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose as Chief, 8 Members |url=https://thewire.in/government/indias-first-lokpal-appointed-justice-pinaki-chandra-ghose-as-chief-8-members |publisher=[[The Wire]] |access-date=4 August 2019 |date=20 March 2019}}</ref>
During Singh's tenure as the minister of personnel, public grievances and pension, the [[Union Public Service Commission]] refused to count the marks of English comprehension in the [[Civil Services Examination (India)|Civil Services Aptitude Test]]. This violated the status quo of the question paper as suggested by the [[Arvind Varma]] committee.<ref>{{cite web |title=UPSC row: Modi govt should worry about careers, not only BJP votes |url=https://www.firstpost.com/politics/upsc-row-modi-govt-should-worry-about-careers-not-only-bjp-votes-1649413.html |publisher=First Post |access-date=1 August 2019 |date=5 August 2014}}</ref> Interviews were discontinued for lower tier government jobs as well the need of attestation by a gazetted officer was also discontinued.<ref name="dispatch"/> On 20 March 2019, [[Pinaki Chandra Ghose]], a former [[Supreme Court of India|Supreme Court]] judge was appointed as India's first [[Lokpal]].<ref name="dispatch"/><ref>{{cite web |title=India's First Lokpal Appointed: Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose as Chief, 8 Members |url=https://thewire.in/government/indias-first-lokpal-appointed-justice-pinaki-chandra-ghose-as-chief-8-members |publisher=[[The Wire (India)|The Wire]] |access-date=4 August 2019 |date=20 March 2019}}</ref>


===Minister of state for Development of North Eastern region===
===Minister of state for Development of North Eastern region===
[[File:A delegation of indigenous communities from Sikkim meeting the Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region (IC), Prime Minister’s Office, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space.jpg|thumb|270px| A delegation of indigenous communities from [[Sikkim]] meeting the Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region (IC)]]
[[File:A delegation of indigenous communities from Sikkim meeting the Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region (IC), Prime Minister’s Office, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space.jpg|thumb|270px| A delegation of indigenous communities from [[Sikkim]] meeting the Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region (IC)]]
[[File:Dr. Jitendra Singh addressing the inaugural session of the Northeast Business Summit.jpg|thumb|250px| Dr. Jitendra Singh addressing the inaugural session of the Northeast Business Summit]]
[[File:Dr. Jitendra Singh addressing the inaugural session of the Northeast Business Summit.jpg|thumb|250px| Dr. Jitendra Singh addressing the inaugural session of the Northeast Business Summit]]
On 8 November 2014, in a cabinet reshuffle, Singh was appointed Minister of State (Independent charge) in the [[Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region]] and replaced [[V.K. Singh]].<ref>{{cite news |title=What went wrong? VK Singh lost Doner to MoS for personnel Jitendra Singh |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/what-went-wrong-vk-singh-lost-doner-to-mos-for-personnel-jitendra-singh/articleshow/45104244.cms?from=mdr |newspaper=[[The Economic Times]] |access-date=3 August 2019 |date=11 November 2019|last1 = Sharma|first1 = Aman}}</ref> In the ministry, he introduced the use of satellite imaging for surveying and building roads and for "preparation of utilisation certificates with fool-proof accuracy". He advised [[Sarbananda Sonowal]], the [[Chief Minister of Assam]] to utilise the Assam Remote Sensing Application Centre to construct smart cities and in urban development.<ref>{{cite news |title=Many space applications not being fully utilised: Minister |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/many-space-applications-not-being-fully-utilised-minister-116071401193_1.html |publisher=[[Business Standard]] |access-date=3 August 2019 |date=14 July 2016|newspaper=Business Standard India |last1=India |first1=Press Trust of }}</ref> On 23 November 2015, Singh announced that the central government has decided to make [[Mizoram]] a "bamboo state" and the ministry proposed steps for the commercial utilisation of the state's bamboo potential.<ref>{{cite news |title=Mizoram to be bamboo state: Jitendra Singh |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/mizoram-to-be-bamboo-state-jitendra-singh/articleshow/49895935.cms |newspaper=[[The Economic Times]] |access-date=3 August 2019 |date=23 November 2015}}</ref>
On 8 November 2014, in a cabinet reshuffle, Singh was appointed Minister of State (Independent charge) in the [[Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region]] and replaced [[V.K. Singh]].<ref>{{cite news |title=What went wrong? VK Singh lost Doner to MoS for personnel Jitendra Singh |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/what-went-wrong-vk-singh-lost-doner-to-mos-for-personnel-jitendra-singh/articleshow/45104244.cms?from=mdr |newspaper=[[The Economic Times]] |access-date=3 August 2019 |date=11 November 2019|last1 = Sharma|first1 = Aman}}</ref> In the ministry, he introduced the use of satellite imaging for surveying and building roads and for "preparation of utilisation certificates with fool-proof accuracy". He advised [[Sarbananda Sonowal]], the [[Chief Minister of Assam]] to utilise the Assam Remote Sensing Application Centre to construct smart cities and in urban development.<ref>{{cite news |title=Many space applications not being fully utilised: Minister |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/many-space-applications-not-being-fully-utilised-minister-116071401193_1.html |publisher=[[Business Standard]] |access-date=3 August 2019 |date=14 July 2016|newspaper=Business Standard India |agency=Press Trust of India }}</ref> On 23 November 2015, Singh announced that the central government has decided to make [[Mizoram]] a "bamboo state" and the ministry proposed steps for the commercial utilisation of the state's bamboo potential.<ref>{{cite news |title=Mizoram to be bamboo state: Jitendra Singh |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/mizoram-to-be-bamboo-state-jitendra-singh/articleshow/49895935.cms |newspaper=[[The Economic Times]] |access-date=3 August 2019 |date=23 November 2015}}</ref>


In January 2016, he said that the [[Northeast India]] was "emerging destination for new Startups". In the [[Startup India]] scheme launched by Modi, the ministry added an additional incentive, "venture"funds. This fund would provide the aspiring entrepreneurs "relief from financial liabilities" and thus according to Singh, youth from other parts of India would "participate in the development of the North-Eastern States".<ref>{{cite web |title=Northeast is emerging destination for new startups: Dr. Jitendra Singh |url=https://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Business/2016-01-30/Northeast-is-emerging-destination-for-new-Startups-Dr-Jitendra-Singh/203657 |publisher=The Hans India |access-date=3 August 2019 |date=30 January 2019}}</ref>
In January 2016, he said that the [[Northeast India]] was "emerging destination for new Startups". In the [[Startup India]] scheme launched by Modi, the ministry added an additional incentive, "venture"funds. This fund would provide the aspiring entrepreneurs "relief from financial liabilities" and thus according to Singh, youth from other parts of India would "participate in the development of the North-Eastern States".<ref>{{cite web |title=Northeast is emerging destination for new startups: Dr. Jitendra Singh |url=https://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Business/2016-01-30/Northeast-is-emerging-destination-for-new-Startups-Dr-Jitendra-Singh/203657 |publisher=The Hans India |access-date=3 August 2019 |date=30 January 2019}}</ref>


In September 2018, [[Pakyong Airport]], [[Sikkim]]'s first greenfield airport was inaugurated by Modi. Previously, Singh had set up a deadline of 2017.<ref>{{cite web |title=Sikkim's Pakyong airport is an engineering marvel, a historic moment for India, says PM Modi - Highlights |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/india/article/pm-narendra-modi-in-sikkim-to-inaugurate-sikkims-first-airport-at-pakyong/289014 |publisher=Times Now |access-date=3 August 2019 |date=24 September 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Pakyong airport in Sikkim to become operational by 2017 |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/pakyong-airport-in-sikkim-to-become-operational-by-2017/articleshow/50503378.cms?from=mdr |newspaper=[[The Economic Times]] |access-date=3 August 2019 |date=8 January 2016}}</ref> In the same month, he announced that an airport would also be built in [[Arunachal Pradesh]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Arunachal airport work will start soon: Jitendra Singh |url=http://www.uniindia.com/arunachal-airport-work-will-start-soon-jitendra-singh/states/news/1364332.html |publisher=UNI India |access-date=3 August 2019 |date=28 September 2018}}</ref>
In September 2018, [[Pakyong Airport]], [[Sikkim]]'s first greenfield airport was inaugurated by Modi. Previously, Singh had set up a deadline of 2017.<ref>{{cite web |title=Sikkim's Pakyong airport is an engineering marvel, a historic moment for India, says PM Modi - Highlights |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/india/article/pm-narendra-modi-in-sikkim-to-inaugurate-sikkims-first-airport-at-pakyong/289014 |work=Times Now |access-date=3 August 2019 |date=24 September 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Pakyong airport in Sikkim to become operational by 2017 |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/pakyong-airport-in-sikkim-to-become-operational-by-2017/articleshow/50503378.cms?from=mdr |newspaper=[[The Economic Times]] |access-date=3 August 2019 |date=8 January 2016}}</ref> In the same month, he announced that an airport would also be built in [[Arunachal Pradesh]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Arunachal airport work will start soon: Jitendra Singh |url=http://www.uniindia.com/arunachal-airport-work-will-start-soon-jitendra-singh/states/news/1364332.html |publisher=UNI India |access-date=3 August 2019 |date=28 September 2018}}</ref>


===2014 Jammu and Kashmir election===
===2014 Jammu and Kashmir election===

Latest revision as of 17:14, 1 January 2022


Jitendra Singh
Error creating thumbnail: File missing
Singh on a video conference meeting in 2021
Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Development of North Eastern Region
In office
9 November 2014 – 7 July 2021
Prime MinisterNarendra Modi
Preceded byV. K. Singh
Succeeded byG. Kishan Reddy
Minister of State for Prime Minister's Office
Assumed office
26 May 2014
Prime MinisterNarendra Modi
Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
Assumed office
26 May 2014
Prime MinisterNarendra Modi
Minister of State in the Department of Space and Department of Atomic Energy
Assumed office
26 May 2014
Prime MinisterNarendra Modi
Minister of Earth Sciences
Assumed office
7 July 2021
Prime MinisterNarendra Modi
Preceded byDr. Harsh Vardhan
In office
26 May 2014 – 8 November 2014
Prime MinisterNarendra Modi
Preceded byJaipal Reddy
Succeeded byHarsh Vardhan
Minister of Science and Technology
In office
26 May 2014 – 8 November 2014
Prime MinisterNarendra Modi
Preceded byJaipal Reddy
Succeeded byHarsh Vardhan
Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha
Assumed office
5 June 2014
Preceded byChaudhary Lal Singh
ConstituencyUdhampur, J&K
Personal details
Born (1956-11-06) 6 November 1956 (age 69)
Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, India
Political partyBharatiya Janata Party
Spouse(s)
Manju Singh
(
m. 1982)
Children2
ResidenceNew Delhi
Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir[1]
Alma materStanley Medical College (M.B.B.S.)
Government Medical College, Jammu (M.D.)
ProfessionPhysician
Websitewww.drjitendrasingh.in

Dr. Jitendra Singh (born 6 November 1956) is an Indian physician and politician. He is the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Science and Technology and Minister of state (independent charge) ministry of earth science and Minister of State for Prime Minister's Office; Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions; Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Space.[2]

He is a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national executive member and was the chief spokesperson for the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir.[3][4] He won the Udhampur seat in the Indian general election, 2014 and 2019 for the 16th Lok Sabha and 17th Lok Sabha.[5]

He was a professor of diabetes and endocrinology,[6] a consultant, clinical practitioner, author of eight books, and a newspaper columnist. He is the ex-chairman for the National Scientific Committee Diabetes and the Research Society for the Study of Diabetes in India.

Early life[edit | edit source]

Singh was born on 6 November 1956 at Jammu in Jammu and Kashmir state to Rajinder Singh and Shanti Devi in a Dogra family.[7][8] His family belongs to Marmat area in Doda district.[9] Jitendra is the eldest of three brothers. His 10-year junior younger brother Devender Singh Rana is also a politician who quit Jammu and Kashmir National Conference party in October, 2021 and joined BJP[8][10][11]

Singh received a M.B.B.S. degree from Stanley Medical College, Chennai in 1978 and completed his M.D. from Government Medical College, Jammu in 1984.[12]

Professional career[edit | edit source]

Besides being a doctor, Singh has also worked as a newspaper columnist. Initially he wrote for Kashmir Times. However, he was unhappy about how the newspaper covered events related to Kashmir. Subsequently, he switched to Daily Excelsior,[8] which is the largest circulated newspaper of Jammu and Kashmir. His weekly column 'Tales of Travesty' used to feature in the editorial section of the newspaper until his election to the Lok Sabha in 2014.[13]

Political career[edit | edit source]

Formative years[edit | edit source]

In 2008, Singh was appointed spokesperson of the Shri Amarnathji Sangharsh Samiti, an umbrella organisation of right wing parties during the Amarnath land transfer controversy.[8] During his stint with the organisation, he took premature retirement as a professor of endocrinology in the Government Medical College, Jammu to join the Bharatiya Janata Party in 2012.[14][10] However, the party refused to make him a candidate for the 2009 Indian general election.[15]

Parliamentary career[edit | edit source]

In March 2014, the party announced that Singh would contest the upcoming general election from Udhampur constituency in his native Jammu.[16] His primary competitor was Ghulam Nabi Azad of the Indian National Congress party who was a former chief minister of the state.[17] Singh was elected to the Lok Sabha after defeating Azad by a margin of 60,976 votes. Singh was polled 487,369 votes while Azad was polled 426,393 votes.[18]

On 27 May 2014, Singh was appointed Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office, Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Minister of State for Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Space. He also became the Union Minister of State (Independent charge) in the Ministry of Science and Technology and Ministry of Earth Sciences.[7][2]

In March 2019, the party renominated Singh as its candidate from the Udhampur constituency for the upcoming general election. His main rival was Vikramaditya Singh of the Congress party and supported by Jammu and Kashmir National Conference party. He is also the grandson of Hari Singh, the last monarch of the former princely state. Jitendra Singh fought the election on his "development report card".[19] Notable campaigners for him included Prime Minister Narendra Modi, party president Amit Shah, Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Ram Madhav and cricketer Gautam Gambhir.[20] Jitendra Singh was re-elected to the Lok Sabha after defeating Vikramaditya Singh by approximately 350,000 votes. Jitendra Singh was polled 7,15,406 votes compared to his rival's 3,66,123 votes.[21]

On 31 May 2019, it was announced that Singh had retained his ministries in the Second Modi ministry.[22]

Minister of Science and Technology[edit | edit source]

Error creating thumbnail: File missing
Jitendra Singh as Minister of Science and Technology on May 28, 2014

As a minister of science and technology, Singh launched India's first indigenously made research vessel named "Sindhu Sadhana" on 14 July 2014 from Mormugao harbour in Goa.[23] In a written response to the Lok Sabha on 31 July, he announced that India had signed cooperative arrangements with 33 countries for "peaceful use of outer space". He further added that areas of co-operation included remote sensing of earth, launch services, satellite communication, telemetry, space exploration and space law.[24] He further launched India's first home-made broad spectrum confocal microscope on 7 October at New Delhi.[25] He announced that the government was considering increasing the retirement age of scientists to 62 years.[26] The ministry increased the stipend of researchers by 50% at the end of the month.[27] On 8 November 2014, Singh was replaced by Harsh Vardhan, another doctor as the minister of science and technology and earth sciences.[28]

Minister of state in space and atomic energy[edit | edit source]

Error creating thumbnail: File missing
Dr. Jitendra Singh visiting the Semiconductor Laboratory of the Department of Space

During Singh's ministership, the fourth Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System was launched by ISRO in April 2015 which would provide "navigation and communication facility to all the surrounding countries".[29] On 29 April 2018, he along with ISRO chairman K. Sivan confirmed that India would send a manned mission to moon by 2022 as proposed by Prime Minister Modi.[30]

Minister of state for Personnel, Public Grievances and pension[edit | edit source]

Error creating thumbnail: File missing
Dr. Jitendra Singh taking charge as the Minister for State for Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, in New Delhi on May 27, 2014

During Singh's tenure as the minister of personnel, public grievances and pension, the Union Public Service Commission refused to count the marks of English comprehension in the Civil Services Aptitude Test. This violated the status quo of the question paper as suggested by the Arvind Varma committee.[31] Interviews were discontinued for lower tier government jobs as well the need of attestation by a gazetted officer was also discontinued.[13] On 20 March 2019, Pinaki Chandra Ghose, a former Supreme Court judge was appointed as India's first Lokpal.[13][32]

Minister of state for Development of North Eastern region[edit | edit source]

Error creating thumbnail: File missing
A delegation of indigenous communities from Sikkim meeting the Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region (IC)
Error creating thumbnail: File missing
Dr. Jitendra Singh addressing the inaugural session of the Northeast Business Summit

On 8 November 2014, in a cabinet reshuffle, Singh was appointed Minister of State (Independent charge) in the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region and replaced V.K. Singh.[33] In the ministry, he introduced the use of satellite imaging for surveying and building roads and for "preparation of utilisation certificates with fool-proof accuracy". He advised Sarbananda Sonowal, the Chief Minister of Assam to utilise the Assam Remote Sensing Application Centre to construct smart cities and in urban development.[34] On 23 November 2015, Singh announced that the central government has decided to make Mizoram a "bamboo state" and the ministry proposed steps for the commercial utilisation of the state's bamboo potential.[35]

In January 2016, he said that the Northeast India was "emerging destination for new Startups". In the Startup India scheme launched by Modi, the ministry added an additional incentive, "venture"funds. This fund would provide the aspiring entrepreneurs "relief from financial liabilities" and thus according to Singh, youth from other parts of India would "participate in the development of the North-Eastern States".[36]

In September 2018, Pakyong Airport, Sikkim's first greenfield airport was inaugurated by Modi. Previously, Singh had set up a deadline of 2017.[37][38] In the same month, he announced that an airport would also be built in Arunachal Pradesh.[39]

2014 Jammu and Kashmir election[edit | edit source]

On 17 November 2014, the party announced that Singh was appointed the head of the 18 member Election Campaign Committee for the upcoming legislative assembly election in his native state.[40] He formulated the strategy for the party.[8] However, no party managed to get a majority in the election.[8] The media speculated that Singh might become the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir as he had the support of Narendra Modi and Amit Shah and was popular amongst the Hindus of Jammu.[41] The party negotiated with Jammu and Kashmir National Conference party in order to form a coalition government. However, talks fell flat when the National Conference rejected the demand of a Hindu chief minister for which Singh was a front runner.[8]

Political views[edit | edit source]

Singh said that the Article 370 of the Constitution of India, which gave a special status to the state of Jammu and Kashmir was temporary in nature and quoted India's first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru for the same.[42] He alleged that Congress and National Conference parties had fooled the people of the state "in the name of Article 370". He further criticised former chief minister Sheikh Abdullah for misusing the article to lengthen the term of the assembly.[43]

Personal life[edit | edit source]

On 16 April 1982, Singh married Manju Singh. They have two sons.[7]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. Jitendra Singh – Affidavit Information Candidate Archived 13 June 2014 at the Wayback Machine. Myneta.info. Retrieved on 1 August 2014.
  2. 2.0 2.1 For better synergy, maximum efficiency Archived 30 May 2014 at the Wayback Machine. The Hindu (28 May 2014). Retrieved on 1 August 2014.
  3. Minister of State (Independent Charge): Jitendra Singh Archived 30 May 2014 at the Wayback Machine. NDTV (26 May 2014). Retrieved on 1 August 2014.
  4. "Make the interlocutors' report on Kashmir public: BJP". The Times of India. 14 May 2011. Retrieved 14 June 2012.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  5. "Profile on BJP Web Site". Archived from the original on 18 May 2014. Retrieved 23 April 2014.
  6. "Dr Jitendra Singh focusses on young diabetics". Early Times. 17 February 2012. Archived from the original on 27 May 2014. Retrieved 14 June 2012.
  7. 7.0 7.1 7.2 "Singh, Dr. Jitendra". Lok Sabha. Retrieved 31 July 2019.
  8. 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 8.5 8.6 "Kashmir's Dogra bros divided in politics". DNA. 28 December 2014. Retrieved 31 July 2019.
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