Fresh inductions, regional balance, possible ministerial exit in focus
Asif Iqbal
Srinagar, Oct 25 (GNS): The Jammu and Kashmir government is likely to induct new members into its Council of Ministers on Tuesday, October 27, with the swearing-in ceremony expected at Lok Bhavan in Srinagar.
The exercise, as learnt by GNS, is expected to bring fresh faces into the government, alongside possible changes in the allocation of ministerial portfolios. Regional representation is also likely to be a major consideration, with political circles closely watching the possibility of inductions from Ramban, Poonch, Anantnag and North Kashmir.
People in the knowhow of things said that at least one minister from the Jammu division could be dropped as part of the proposed exercise. Legislators from Ramban and Anantnag are among those being speculated about for possible induction, while leaders from other parts of Kashmir may also figure in the selection process. The names of prospective ministers and the final composition, however, remain unannounced.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha is expected to administer the oath of office and secrecy to the incoming ministers. The final list could reach Lok Bhavan by Monday evening or Tuesday morning, although the ceremony is yet to be officially confirmed.
The exercise may also involve a redistribution of departments among existing ministers, with the final allocation of portfolios expected to follow the swearing-in.
Notably, the Council of Ministers currently comprises Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, and ministers Sakeena Masood Itoo, Javed Ahmed Rana, Javid Ahmad Dar and Satish Sharma.
Under the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, the Council of Ministers cannot exceed nine members, including the Chief Minister, for the 90-member Legislative Assembly. (GNS)
