Fresh Inductions, Portfolio Changes Likely on Tuesday; Regional Representation in Focus
Nadeem Nadu
Srinagar, Oct 25 :
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has begun extending invitations to guests expected to attend the oath-taking ceremony of newly inducted ministers, as the much-anticipated cabinet reshuffle in the Omar Abdullah-led government is likely to take place on Tuesday.
Sources familiar with the developments told news agency Kashmir News Corner that the ceremony is expected to be held at Lok Bhavan, where the Lieutenant Governor is likely to administer the oath of office and secrecy to the incoming ministers.
The proposed reshuffle is expected to involve the induction of fresh faces, changes in regional representation and possible reallocation of portfolios among existing members of the Council of Ministers.
Several regions, including Ramban, Poonch, Anantnag, Central Kashmir and North Kashmir, are being discussed in connection with the possible ministerial changes. However, the names of the prospective ministers and the final composition of the Council of Ministers have not yet been officially announced.
Sources indicated that at least one minister from the Jammu division could be dropped as part of the exercise, although the development remains unconfirmed.
Portfolio Reallocation Also Likely
Apart from fresh inductions, the government is also expected to consider changes in the allocation of departments, with some existing ministers likely to be assigned new portfolios and incoming members potentially entrusted with important departments.
The final portfolio distribution is expected to be announced after the swearing-in ceremony, subject to a formal government decision.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had said on Saturday that the list of ministers had been finalised following consultations with National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah. He had also advised party colleagues against lobbying for ministerial positions.
The anticipated reshuffle has drawn attention to the possible regional balance within the government, the induction of new faces and the prospects of changes in the existing ministerial team.
Council Strength Limited to Nine Members
Under the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, the Council of Ministers cannot exceed 10 per cent of the total strength of the Legislative Assembly.
With the Assembly comprising 90 elected seats, the Council of Ministers can have a maximum of nine members, including the Chief Minister.
The identities of the incoming ministers, the final regional representation and the allocation of portfolios are expected to become clear with the formal announcement and completion of the oath-taking process. (KNC)