Babul Supriyo Baral today took charge as Minister of State for Urban Development and Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation. He first called on the senior Minister Shri M.Venkaiah Naidu and sought his blessings. Shri Venkaiah Naidu introduced senior officials of the both the Ministries to the new minister and in a rare gesture, later accompanied Shri Supriyo Baral to his chamber in Nirman Bhawan. Shri Naidu told media that Shri Supriyo Baral is young, energetic and enthusiastic and his induction will strengthen his hands. Speaking to the media after assuming office, Shri Supriyo Baral said that he will strive to live up to the ‘performance doctrine’ of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. The Minister observed that he is in the company of stalwarts like Shri Venkaiah Naidu and he will give out his best as Minister of State. Asked about his priorities, Shri Supriyo Baral said he will understand the Ministries in about a week and to begin with housing for urban poor is a priority issue.
On being asked about his contribution to the state of West Bengal as a union minister, Shri Supriyo Baral said that he would like to work as a bridge between the centre and the state of West Bengal. Noting that a lot needs to be done for his home state, the Minister said that his constituency of Asansol will receive his due attention. Born on December 15, 1970, Shri Supriyo Baral hails from Uttarapara in Hooghly district of West Bengal. Elected to the Lok Sabha for the first time from Asansol, Shri Baral holds B.Com(Hons) degree from Calcutta University. He worked for a multinational bank before deciding to pursue his passion of singing.