Names of new ministers expected to be conveyed to Lok Bhavan by Monday evening; portfolios to be allocated after ceremony
Rehan Qayoom
Srinagar, Oct 25 : The oath-taking ceremony for newly inducted ministers in the Jammu and Kashmir government is likely to be held on Tuesday, with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expected to administer the oath of office and secrecy, sources said on Sunday news agency KNO reported.
The names of the new ministers are likely to be conveyed to Lok Bhavan by Monday evening or Tuesday morning, the sources said.
Only the newly inducted ministers will take the oath, while those retained in the Council of Ministers will not be required to take it again, they added.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is expected to allocate portfolios to the existing and newly inducted ministers following the ceremony.
Under the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, the Council of Ministers, including the chief minister, cannot exceed 10 per cent of the total strength of the Legislative Assembly. Accordingly, the Union Territory can have a maximum of nine ministers, including the chief minister.
On Saturday, Omar Abdullah said the list of ministers had been finalised after consultations with National Conference president Farooq Abdullah. He also urged party colleagues to refrain from lobbying for ministerial berths news agency KNO reported.
