Guwahati, 08 June (HS): Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma has stated that the portfolios of the 12 ministers inducted during the recent cabinet expansion will be allocated on Monday. The announcement is expected to define the responsibilities of the new members who took oath on June 5.

The expansion of the Council of Ministers was carried out at the Jyoti-Bishnu International Auditorium in Guwahati, where Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya administered the oath of office and secrecy to the legislators. The newly inducted ministers include Ashwini Ray Sarkar, Ashok Singhal, Bimal Borah, Biswajit Daimary, Jayanta Malla Barua, Kaushik Rai, Keshab Mahanta, Krishnendu Paul, Nilima Devi, Pijush Hazarika, Dr. Ranoj Pegu and Sushanta Borgohain.

Of the 12 ministers, 11 belong to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), while Keshab Mahanta represents the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP). Nilima Devi is the only woman among the newly inducted members of the cabinet.

Following the expansion, the strength of the Assam Council of Ministers has increased to 17. Under constitutional provisions, the state can have a maximum of 19 ministers, leaving two positions vacant for possible future induction.

The allocation of departments is expected to provide clarity on the administrative roles of the new ministers and further strengthen the functioning of the state government.------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash