Telugu Desam Party’s Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu has become the youngest ever Union Civil Minister after he took oath as a member of the Narendra Modi-led Cabinet on June 14.
The 36-year-old was elected to the Lok Sabha from Srikakulam in Andhra Pradesh for a third consecutive term in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections.
Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leader and member of parliament (MP) Ram Mohan Naidu on Friday took charge as the Union civil aviation minister and assured that passenger convenience and ease of travel will be the government’s priority.
“…Priority for me is to create ease of flying scenario in civil aviation as air travel is becoming more and more approachable to the common man, and that has always been the motto of this government …. Whatever benefits the government is providing, that must have the last mile connectivity. It must reach the poorest of the poor,” he said, adding that he will make air travel in this country more approachable and easily accessible to the common man.
He thanked the former aviation minister, Jyotiraditya Scindia, who launched the Digi Yatra scheme, which he said has improved the convenience and has improved efficiency with which a person can come to the airport and board the aircraft. “…We want to expand it to all the airports in the country, and we want to make it at a war footing level.”
Early Life and Education
Ram Mohan Naidu was born in the culturally rich state of Andhra Pradesh, India. Growing up in a politically active family, Naidu was exposed to public service and governance from an early age. His father, a prominent politician, instilled in him a sense of duty and a passion for serving the nation. Naidu’s early education was marked by excellence; he attended some of the best schools in the region and showed a keen interest in public affairs.
After completing his schooling, Naidu pursued a degree in Political Science from a prestigious university. His academic journey did not stop there; he went on to earn a master’s degree in public administration from a renowned international institution. These formative years were crucial in shaping his worldview and equipping him with the knowledge and skills required for a career in politics.
The young leader’s hobbies include photography, which he pursued seriously during his college days. He is also an avid sports enthusiast, with a particular fondness for basketball and cricket.
Entry into Politics
Naidu’s entry into politics was almost a natural progression given his background. He joined his father’s political party and quickly rose through the ranks due to his dedication, charisma, and understanding of the political landscape. His early political career was marked by his efforts to improve education and healthcare in his constituency. Naidu’s ability to connect with people and address their concerns earned him widespread popularity.
Vision and Achievements as Civil Aviation Minister
As the Civil Aviation Minister, Ram Mohan Naidu brought a fresh perspective and innovative ideas to the sector. His vision for civil aviation in India focused on making air travel more accessible, affordable, and sustainable. One of his major initiatives was the expansion of regional connectivity through the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) scheme. This initiative aimed to enhance connectivity to underserved and unserved airports, making air travel a viable option for a larger section of the population.
Naidu also prioritized the modernization of airport infrastructure. Under his leadership, several airports underwent significant upgrades to meet international standards, ensuring better services and facilities for passengers. His emphasis on public-private partnerships resulted in increased investment in the aviation sector, fostering growth and innovation.
Safety and security in aviation were other key areas where Naidu made substantial contributions. He implemented stringent safety protocols and ensured that the regulatory framework was robust and adaptive to the evolving challenges of the aviation industry.
Challenges and Future Plans
Despite his numerous achievements, Naidu’s tenure as Civil Aviation Minister has not been without challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted the aviation industry globally, and India was no exception. Naidu’s crisis management skills were put to the test as he navigated the sector through unprecedented turbulence. His efforts in facilitating repatriation flights and ensuring the implementation of health and safety measures during the pandemic were commendable.
Looking ahead, Ram Mohan Naidu has ambitious plans for the future of civil aviation in India. He envisions a future where India is a global aviation hub, with world-class infrastructure and services. His focus on sustainability includes promoting the use of biofuels and exploring new technologies to reduce the carbon footprint of the aviation industry.
Conclusion
Ram Mohan Naidu’s oath as the Civil Aviation Minister is the start of a new and hopeful era for India’s aviation sector. His commitment to honesty, transparency, and excellence sets a high standard for leadership. The ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan was not just a formality but a significant moment that showed Naidu’s dedication to serving the country and advancing the aviation industry.
As he begins his new role, the aviation sector and the whole country look forward to the positive changes and innovations that Ram Mohan Naidu will bring. His oath is a promise to make India a global leader in aviation, ensuring that flying becomes a path to progress and prosperity for everyone.