Guwahati, June 5 (IANS) Hours after the swearing-in of Assam’s expanded Council of Ministers, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday said portfolios for the newly inducted ministers would be allocated after a detailed review of administrative requirements and the strengths of individual ministers.

Speaking to reporters, Sarma said the government would take some time to finalise the allocation of departments to ensure that responsibilities are assigned in a way that maximises efficiency and governance outcomes.

Asked about when the portfolios would be announced, the Chief Minister said the exercise would be carried out after carefully assessing the performance of departments under previous ministers and identifying areas where the new ministers could contribute most effectively.

“I will take a little time. We need to review the work carried out by the ministers who previously handled various departments and assess which areas the new ministers can serve most effectively. Instead of rushing the process, we will conduct a proper evaluation before allotting the portfolios,” Sarma said.

However, he indicated that the government would immediately assign responsibilities to ministers as district guardians in view of the emerging flood situation across parts of the state.

The Chief Minister said guardian minister responsibilities would be allocated within a day, enabling ministers to visit districts, assess the flood situation on the ground, and coordinate with local administrations.

“By tomorrow, we will assign guardian minister responsibilities so that ministers can travel to different districts, understand the flood-related challenges, and ensure that district administrations remain fully active and responsive in handling the situation,” he said.

The statement comes after Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya administered the oath of office and secrecy to 12 Cabinet ministers, completing the formation of the new government headed by Sarma following the NDA’s victory in the recent Assembly elections.

With the induction of the 12 ministers, the strength of the Council of Ministers has risen to 17, including the Chief Minister and four ministers who had already taken oath earlier.

–IANS

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