S.S Ahluwalia took over charge as the new Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare here today. Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that to accelerate the development of Agriculture sector and reaching out to the farmers who are on the last ladder will be the focus. The Minister represents Darjeeling (West Bengal) Parliamentary constituency in Lok Sabha. Shri S.S Ahluwalia was a member of Parliament from Rajya Sabha representing Bihar and Jharkhand in 1986-1992, 1992-1998, 2000-2006 and 2006-2012. Shri Ahluwalia was Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha from June 2010 to May 2012. Shri Ahluwalia was born on 4th July, 1951 and is a Law Graduate. Shri Ahluwalia has been Member of various Parliamentary Committees. Shri S.S Ahluwalia has held various portfolios in the past including Minister of State for Urban Affairs and Employment (Department of Urban Employment and Poverty Alleviation) and Parliamentary Affairs.