📷 Image Credits: The Times of India
In a significant development, the 30 Cabinet ministers in India recently ended nearly 18 hours of suspense over their portfolios by discovering them at the first cabinet meeting. The new Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, includes 30 Cabinet Ministers, five Ministers of State with Independent Charge, and 36 Ministers of State. The anticipation surrounding the distribution of portfolios was high as the new government took office for its third consecutive term.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, after being sworn in, arrived at the Prime Minister’s Office in South Block. The ceremony, held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, saw President Droupadi Murmu administering the oath of office to the PM and other ministers. PM Modi expressed his commitment to serving the 140 crore Indians and working towards progress with the Council of Ministers, emphasizing their blend of youth and experience. The new government has managed to retain 34 ministers from the outgoing council, with as many as 19 holding Cabinet berths.
The portfolios were allocated with several key ministers retaining their positions. Amit Shah continues as the Minister of Home Affairs, while Rajnath Singh remains the Minister of Defence. PM Modi has also retained several key ministries, including the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, the Department of Atomic Energy, and the Department of Space. Additionally, any ministries not specifically assigned to a minister will remain under his purview. The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) composition also remains the same, with four senior leaders retaining their respective portfolios. The new government is a mix of familiar faces and some new entrants, with several ministers continuing their roles in ministries like Road Transport and Highways, Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and Social Justice and Empowerment. The first cabinet meeting signifies the beginning of the new government’s tenure, with a focus on the 100-day plan ahead.
The speculations and anticipation leading up to the allocation of portfolios were put to rest as the 30 ministers discovered their new roles at the first cabinet meeting through envelopes. This unique approach added a touch of novelty to the process, emphasizing the significance and responsibility that comes with each portfolio. The new government, under the leadership of PM Modi, is poised to tackle challenges and work towards the progress and well-being of the nation, guided by the experience and expertise of the Council of Ministers.
