Dr. C. P. Joshi is an Indian politician who represents the political party Indian National Congress. He is a Member of the Indian Parliament and represented Bhilwara district in the 15th Lok Sabha. He was the in charge of Rural Development department despite of the fact that he was the first-time member of the Lok Sabha. He was also the Minister of Panchayati Raj and Union Minister for Rural Development of India.
Early Life of Dr. C. P. Joshi
Dr. C. P. Joshi was born on 29th July 1950 in Nathdwara, Rajasthan to father Bhudev Prasad Joshi and mother Sushila Devi Joshi. After completing his primary education, he graduated with a B.A. in Law from M. B. College Udaipur. Later he also completed his Master Degree in Physics and afterwards Masters and Ph.D. in Psychology. After completing his studies, Joshi took up the career of a lecturer at M. B. College, Udaipur with a specialisation in Intelligence Quotient (IQ). Dr. C. P. Joshi also spent sometime in Mohanlal Sukhadia University of Udaipur as a Professor of Psychology. Later being inspired by Rajiv Gandhi, the former Prime Minister of India, he entered the world of politics.
Political Career of Dr. C. P. Joshi
Dr. C. P. Joshi had some definite expertise in leadership. For his commitments he was encouraged by Mohan Lal Sukhadia, the founder of modern Mewar, to join politics. During the early period of his career he was elected as the President of Student`s Union for Mohanlal Sukhadia University in 1973. Later, in 1980 and 1985, and again in 1998 and 2003, Joshi was elected as the MLA from Nathdwara Assembly. During his tenure as an MLA, he dealt with the vital issues on animal food, lack of education, road etc. During 1998 Joshi was chosen to chair the position of Cabinet Minister. In 2003 Joshi was nominated the President of the Rajasthan Pradesh Congress Committee.
In the year 2009, Dr. C. P. Joshi was in charge of the portfolios like Rural Development, Information Technology, Panchayti Raj, Public Health Engineering, Education and Policy Planning. He ushered new directions in the fields of Education, Abhiyantrik Yojna and Panchayti Raj. In 2011 January, Joshi was appointed as the Minister of Road Transport and Highways. Joshi was also connected to the allocation of Central Government assistance for state plans. In the year 2012 he became the Union Cabinet Minister for Railways.
Personal Life of Dr. C. P. Joshi
Dr. C. P. Joshi married Prof. Dr. Hemlata Joshi on 28 April 1986. The couple has one son.
Positions Held by C. P. Joshi
| Year | Positions Held |
| 1980-2008 | Member, Rajasthan Legislative Assembly (four terms); Minister of Panchayati Raj, Education, Rural Development, Public Health Policy & Planning and Information Technology, Government of Rajasthan |
| 2009 | Elected to 15th Lok Sabha |
| 22 May 2009 - 18 Jan | Union Cabinet Minister, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj |
| 19 Jan 2011 - 28 Oct | Union Cabinet Minister, Road Tansport and Highways |
| 22 Sep. 2012 - 28 Oct | Union Cabinet Minister, Railways (Addtional Charge) |
