IMPHAL, May 1—Contrary to the predictions and speculations, the much-awaited allocation of the portfolios to the newly-inducted ministers was effected after a gap of eleven days late Wednesday evening. The portfolios to the newly-inducted ministers were allocated soon after the arrival of the Governor, Ved Marwah from New Delhi on Wednesday. However, the government notification was made available to the press late in the evening.
Mention may be made here that nine ministers of state were elevated to the Cabinet rank while two other MLAs were inducted into the Council of Ministers of the secular progressive front coalition ministry on April 21 to maintain stability within the coalition front.The nine state ministers who were elevated to the Cabinet rank include Dr Chaltonlien Amo, K Ranjit, Bijoy Koijam, Francis Ngajokpa, W Brajabidhu, N Loken, A Aza, Z Mangaibou, Dr T Meinya while the two new ministers are Manga Vaiphei (Cabinet) and N Biren (Minister of State).
With Wednesday’s portfolio allocation, contrary to earlier expectations, MLA Nongthonbam Biren did not get the home portfolio.Instead, MLA from Heingang Assembly segment was given Planning and Vigilance while true to earlier predictions, Manga Vaiphei was given Transport and Science and Technology.Former minister of state Thangso Baite was also elevated to minister of state with Independent charge holding the portfolio of Veterinary and Animal Husbandary. Earlier, Thangso held Public Health Engineering department.
Similarly, Yumnam Mani who holds the Veterinary charge in Cabinet rank was shifted to Education (schools) after entrusting former minister of state for School Education, Dr Maniruddin Sheikh with Fisheries department.The former Fisheries minister, Wungnaoshang Keishing, who defeated season politician Rishang Keishing in the last election, has been given Jail Administration and Excise.
On the other hand, GAD minister Francis Ngjokpa was given additional charge of Taxation over and above his previous portfolio. among ministers of state (with out independent charge), works has been divested from L Radhakishore and he is now left with Education (Schools) while Allaudin Khan was too divested of Power and Left with Public Health Engineering.