Srinagar, Oct 18: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday announced the allocation of portfolios to the newly inducted ministers in Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s cabinet. The distribution of responsibilities was made based on the advice of the Chief Minister.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary has been given charge of several key departments, including Public Works (R&B), Industries and Commerce, Mining, Labour and Employment, and Skill Development.
The only woman in the cabinet, Sakeena Itoo, will oversee the ministries of Health and Medical Education, School Education, Higher Education, and Social Welfare. She previously held the Social Welfare portfolio during Omar Abdullah’s first tenure as Chief Minister.
Javed Ahmed Rana has been appointed as the minister responsible for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment, and Tribal Affairs. Meanwhile, Javid Ahmad Dar will manage the portfolios of Agriculture Production, Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, Cooperative, and Election departments.
Satish Sharma has been assigned the portfolios of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Transport, Science and Technology, Information Technology, Youth Services and Sports, and ARI and Trainings.
The order further specified that any departments or subjects not explicitly allocated would remain under the direct supervision of the Chief Minister.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today personally visited the office chambers at Civil Secretariat of his Cabinet colleagues to congratulate them on formally assuming their respective duties.
The Chief Minister extended his heartfelt congratulations to Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, and Cabinet Ministers Sakeena Itoo, Javed Ahmad Rana, Javid Ahmad Dar, Satish Sharma and Advisor to Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani.
During his visit, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was accompanied by his Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani.
Omar expressed his confidence in the newly appointed ministers and Advisor, expressing hope that they would carry out their responsibilities diligently and contribute to the effective governance of the Union Territory.
He highlighted the importance of their roles in advancing the government’s developmental agenda and ensuring the welfare of the people.
The ministers, in turn, expressed their gratitude and appreciation for the Chief Minister’s visit and his encouraging words.
They reaffirmed their commitment to working collectively under his leadership to deliver on the promises made to the public.
