PM lauds Sibal, deputy as 'finest minds'

Human Resource Development Minister Kapil Sibal and his deputy D Purandeswari on Tuesday received wholesome praise from Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who described them as being a team of the "finest minds" in the government.

Observing that his government gave the "highest importance" to human resource development, Singh said, "That is why some of the finest minds have been chosen for this ministry."

Taking the names of both Sibal and Purandeswari, the prime minister said this was "a team for which any country can be legitimately proud of as national leaders".

Singh, who read out his address while inaugurating the 'Saakshar Bharat Mission', went ex tempore while making the references to the two members in his council of ministers seated on the dais at a function in New Delhi.