Arjun Ram Meghwal Biography
Influential Indian politician Arjun Ram Meghwal has been making ripples in the political world with his extraordinary career trajectory and dedication to public service.
Meghwal has demonstrated his value to the country while holding the offices of Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs and Culture in addition to his current job as the Minister of Law and Justice in the Government of India from 2023. Let’s examine this illustrious leader’s life and accomplishments.
| Bio/Wiki | |
|---|---|
| Profession | Politician |
| Physical Stats & More | |
| Height (approx.) | in centimeters– 175 cm in meters– 1.75 m in feet & inches– 5’ 9” |
| Eye Colour | Black |
| Hair Colour | Salt & Pepper |
Arjun Ram Meghwal Early Life and Education
On December 20, 1953, in the small Rajasthani town of Kishmidesar, Arjun Ram Meghwal was born. Being the son of Lakhu Ram Meghwal and Hira Devi, he comes from a lowly background. Meghwal continued his studies at Dungar College in Bikaner, where he graduated with a Master’s in Political Science. By earning an LLB and an MBA from the University of the Philippines, he advanced his academic career.
Arjun Ram Meghwal Career
As soon as Arjun Ram Meghwal was selected to sit for the 1982 Rajasthan Administrative Services (RAS) exams, his path to political prominence began. The Jila Udhyog Kendra employed him as an Assistant Director before promoting him to General Manager in several districts around Rajasthan. Meghwal held prominent posts in Churu, including District Collector and District Magistrate, as well as Additional Collector (Development) in Barmer.
Arjun Ram Meghwal Political Career
Meghwal chose to voluntarily leave the Indian Administrative Service in order to pursue a career in politics because of his commitment to public service. He was chosen to serve as a Member of Parliament for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2009 from the Bikaner Constituency. In the general elections of 2014, he was successful in keeping his seat, beginning his second stint as an MP. Meghwal held these positions at the same time: Chief Whip and Chairman of the House Committee for the BJP in the Lok Sabha.
Arjun Ram Meghwal Family & Caste
He was born into a Scheduled Caste (Dalit) family that was a part of the community of weavers.
Parents & Siblings
His mother, Heera Devi Meghwal, passed away in 2014, and his father is Lakhu Ram Meghwal. Their line of work was weaving.
Wife & Children
While still in Class 8, on May 12, 1968, he wed Pana Devi in the village of Nal Badi. They are parents to two daughters and two sons, Ravi Shekhar and Naveen Meghwal. Initially employed with the Rajasthan Administrative Services (RAS), Ravi Shekhar Meghwal later rose to political prominence and joined the BJP. At the ICCR in Bali, Naveen Meghwal serves as the Director.
Others
He has a cousin who is an Indian National Congress (INC) politician named Madan Gopal Meghwal. The maternal aunt (Mausi) of Arjun Ram Meghwal is the father of Madan Gopal Meghwal.
Arjun Ram Meghwal Religion/Religious Views
He practices Hinduism.
Arjun Ram Meghwal Address
His permanent address is ‘Sansad Sewa Kendra’ C-66, K K Colony, Joiya Market, Bikaner, Rajasthan.
Arjun Ram Meghwal Signature/Autograph
Ministerial Responsibilities and Achievements:
Arjun Ram Meghwal was awarded various ministerial positions thanks to his excellent work ethic and dedication. He was appointed as the Minister of State for Water Resources in 2017 after serving as the Minister of State for Finance and Corporate Affairs in 2016. He assumed the positions of Minister of State for Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises as well as Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs in 2019. He added new responsibilities as the Minister of Culture in 2021. His commitment to parliamentary issues and his aptitude for handling a variety of portfolios have made him a respected and well-known figure in the political world.
Arjun Ram Meghwal Assets & Properties
Moveable Assets
- Cash: Rs. 75,000
- Deposits in Banks: Rs. 1,03,57,629
- Jewellery: Rs. 2,15,000
Immoveable Assets
- Non-Agricultural Land: Rs. 5,00,000
- Residential Buildings: Rs. 4,00,000
The estimates of movable and immovable assets provided correspond to the 2018–2019 fiscal year. It excludes the assets owned by his wife and children.
Arjun Ram Meghwal Net Worth
In 2019, he had a net worth of Rs. 1,04,87,315. It excludes his wife’s and his children’s dependents’ net worth.
Arjun Ram Meghwal Facts/Trivia
Meghwal, who was raised by his father who was a traditional weaver, was born into a family of weavers. He stated in an interview,
I was up in a traditional weaving family in the Bikaner village of Kismidesar, where students my age rarely attend school. I used to weave during my time in high school and college to help support my family and my education.
He co-chaired the Committee on the Reservation in Judiciary for the National Commission for SC from 2011 to 2014.
Meghwal used to ride his bicycle to Parliament when serving as the BJP’s Chief Whip in the Lok Sabha in 2014 while wearing his signature Rajasthani turban, kurta-pyjamas, and a sleeveless jacket to show off his Bikaneri heritage. He would advertise his status as the MP from Bikaner on a banner on his bicycle with the logo of the BJP in the foreground.
He introduced a bill against homosexuality in the Lok Sabha in 2013.
Meghwal gained notoriety prior to the 2014 elections by criticizing Congresswoman Sonia Gandhi’s son-in-law Robert Vadra’s reportedly “illegal” land purchases in Bikaner.
In 2016, the BJP appointed him to the Council of Ministers of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in an effort to balance the caste dynamics in Rajasthan after dumping Nihal Chand Meghwal, the MP for Ganganagar and MoS for the Ministry of Panchayati Raj. Nihal Chand Meghwal, a member of the SC community, was also dismissed from the party due to an investigation into a 2011 rape case.
Devi Singh Bhati, a seven-time MLA, left the BJP and ran a campaign against Meghwal ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, saying that Meghwal was working against the party and dividing people along caste lines. Prior to the polls, Meghwal also had competition from within the family as the Congress put his cousin Madan Gopal Meghwal, an IPS officer who also voluntarily retired to enter politics, on the ballot.
Meghwal vigorously advocated for the designation of the Mangarh hilltop in Rajasthan as a monument of national importance while serving as the Minister of State for Culture. On November 17, 1913, 1,500 Bhil tribal independence fighters were killed in battle with the British troops at Mangarh Hill.
The MP is well known as a musician who occasionally sings spiritual bhajans in addition to being a politician. On the 100th edition of PM Modi’s Mann ki Baat, he also performed a song.
Conclusion
Arjun Ram Meghwal’s rise from devoted public servant to powerful political figure is a prime example of his persistent dedication to public service. His ascent to notoriety as a member of parliament and later government posts demonstrate his capacity to negotiate challenging political environments while remaining committed to the welfare of the constituents he represents. The contributions made by Arjun Ram Meghwal to the government, particularly in the fields of law, justice, and legislative affairs, have shaped the country and improved the lives of its people. He is a respected leader who serves as an example of commitment and integrity in public service for aspiring politicians.
