Deshmukh, a trusted colleague and able administrator: PM

"Deshmukh was a trusted colleague and an able administrator who worked at panchayat, state and central levels with admirable dedication," Dr Singh said in his message.

Deshmukh, a minister without portfolio, was admitted in a hospital for treatment of a liver ailment in Chennai where he passed away on Tuesday afternoon.

Earlier, he was the minister for science and technology and earth sciences. He was given additional charge of micro, small and medium enterprises  after the resignation of Virbhadra Singh two months back.