J&K Lt Governor Manoj Sinha Allocates Portfolios To Five Ministers

On Friday, Lt Governor Manoj Sinha has officially allocated portfolios to five ministers, following the recommendations of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Secretariat in a notification issued from the Raj Bhavan in Srinagar stated, “In pursuance of Rule 4 (2) of the Transaction of Business of the Government of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir Rules, 2019, I, Manoj Sinha, Lieutenant Governor of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, do hereby assign to the charge of the Ministers the Government Business as shown in Annexure.”

Key Takeaways Of Assigned Portfolios

The list of newly assigned portfolios for the recently inducted ministers in Jammu & Kashmir include:

• Surinder Kumar Choudhary, the Deputy Chief Minister, will oversee key sectors including Public Works (R&B), Industries & Commerce, Mining, Labour & Employment, and Skill Development.
• Sakeena Masood Itoo has been entrusted with the responsibilities of Health & Medical Education, School Education, Higher Education, and Social Welfare.
• Javed Ahmed Rana will manage Jal Shakti, along with Forest, Ecology & Environment, and Tribal Affairs.
• Javid Ahmad Dar is responsible for Agriculture Production, Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, Cooperative, and Election affairs.
• Satish Sharma will handle Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Transport, Science & Technology, Information Technology, Youth Services & Sports, and ARI & Training.

The order further asserted, “Any other departments/subjects not allocated to any of the ministers shall remain with the Chief Minister.”

Earlier on Thursday, the Jammu & Kashmir Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah passed a resolution calling for the restoration of statehood to the region.

The decision came during its first meeting where members urged the Central government to reinstate Jammu & Kashmir’s status as a state. The meeting was held at Civil Secretariat in Srinagar.

Sources however indicate that the Chief Minister will travel to New Delhi in a couple of days to deliver the draft resolution to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He will urge the Prime Minister to restore statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.

Omar Abdullah previously held the position of Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir between 2009 and 2014.

After a gap of 10 years, the NC-Congress alliance won the assembly polls in Jammu And Kashmir. JKNC won 42 seats while the Congress managed to win 6. The BJP however delivered a strong showing, securing 29 seats. The People’s Democratic Party claimed three seats, while the People’s Conference, CPI-M, and AAP each won one. Additionally, 7 seats went to Independent candidates.

Also Read: Jammu & Kashmir Cabinet Passes Resolution For Statehood Restoration