Chennai,16 May (H.S.): Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay has retained control of several crucial departments while assigning portfolios to members of his newly formed Cabinet, according to a press release issued by Lok Bhavan on Saturday. The portfolio allocation, recommended by the Chief Minister and approved by Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, formally defines the administrative structure of the newly sworn-in government.
The Council of Ministers took oath along with Vijay on May 10, marking the beginning of a new political phase in the State after Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) emerged as the single largest party in the Assembly election. The portfolio distribution reflects Vijay's intent to keep direct control over major administrative and governance sectors while entrusting key developmental and economic departments to senior ministers.
Vijay has retained some of the most influential portfolios in the government, including Home and Police, placing the state's law and order machinery directly under his supervision. He will also oversee IAS and IPS administration, Indian Forest Service matters, District Revenue Officers, Special Programme Implementation and Municipal Administration. In addition, the Chief Minister has taken charge of social welfare sectors including Women Welfare, Youth Welfare, welfare of children, senior citizens and differently-abled persons, along with Urban and Water Supply.
N. Anand, considered the second most influential figure in the Cabinet, has been assigned Rural Development and Water Resources, two departments expected to play a major role in infrastructure and grassroots governance.
Aadhav Arjuna has been entrusted with the Public Works Department, including buildings, highways and minor ports, besides Sports Development. Former Indian Revenue Service officer K.G. Arunraj will head the Health, Medical Education and Family Welfare departments.
Veteran leader K.A. Sengottaiyan has received the important Finance portfolio. P. Venkatramanan has been entrusted with Food and Civil Supplies, Consumer Protection and Price Control.
R. Nirmalkumar will oversee Electricity and Non-Conventional Energy besides handling Law, Courts, Prisons, Prevention of Corruption, Legislative Assembly matters and Elections.
Rajmohan will head School Education, Tamil Development, Information and Publicity, while T.K. Prabhu has been allotted Natural Resources. S. Keerthana, the youngest and only woman in the Cabinet, has been given charge of Industries.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman
