Srinagar, Mar 06: The Jammu and Kashmir government has clarified that the permissible strength of the Council of Ministers in the Union Territory is limited to 10% of the total number of members in the Legislative Assembly. The information was provided in response to a question raised by MLA Sajad Gani Lone during the second session of the Legislative Assembly in 2025.
Quoting Sub-Section (1) of Section 53 of the Jammu & Kashmir Reorganization Act, 2019, the government stated that the Chief Minister and the Council of Ministers are responsible for aiding and advising the Lieutenant Governor in executive functions. The Act further outlines that the Legislative Assembly has the power to make laws, except in cases where discretion is required under judicial or quasi-judicial functions.
The government also revealed the existing strength of the Council of Ministers and the distribution of portfolios. Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary has been assigned the departments of Public Works (R&B), Industries & Commerce, Mining, Labour & Employment, and Skill Development.
Sakeena Masood is overseeing Health & Medical Education, School Education, Higher Education, and Social Welfare. Javed Ahmed Rana has been given charge of Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment, and Tribal Affairs. Javid Ahmad Dar is handling Agriculture Production, Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, Cooperative, and Election. Satish Sharma is responsible for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Transport, Science & Technology, Information Technology, Youth Services & Sports, and ARI & Trainings.
The government further stated that any departments not allocated to the listed ministers remain under the direct charge of the Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir.
