The Biz Reporter

SRINAGAR, Oct 22: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha is expected to return to Srinagar today, paving the way for the formal scheduling and execution of the long-anticipated expansion of the Jammu and Kashmir Council of Ministers.

According to official sources, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had proposed holding the oath-taking ceremony on Sunday, though the final date remains to be confirmed. The official timeline is expected to be finalized once Lieutenant Governor Sinha arrives at Lok Bhawan later today.

Reshuffle and New Inductions on the Table

Sources indicate that the upcoming exercise may not be limited to filling vacant slots; it could also see a reorganization of the council. There are indications that some existing ministers might be dropped to make way for fresh faces, balancing regional, community, and political representations across Jammu and Kashmir.

The expansion comes shortly after National Conference president Dr. Farooq Abdullah noted earlier this week that the cabinet expansion would take place immediately following the Lieutenant Governor’s return to the Valley.

Constitutional Ceilings and Current Strength

Under the provisions of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, the strength of the Council of Ministers cannot exceed 10 percent of the total 90-member Legislative Assembly. Consequently, the council is capped at a maximum of nine members, including the Chief Minister.

At present, the council functions with six members:

• Omar Abdullah: Chief Minister
• Surinder Kumar Choudhary: Deputy Chief Minister (Portfolios: Public Works [R&B], Industries & Commerce, Mining, Labour & Employment, and Skill Development)
• Sakeena Masood (Itoo): Cabinet Minister (Portfolios: Health & Medical Education, School Education, Higher Education, and Social Welfare)
• Javed Ahmed Rana: Cabinet Minister (Portfolios: Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment, and Tribal Affairs)
• Javid Ahmad Dar: Cabinet Minister (Portfolios: Agriculture Production, Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, Cooperative, and Election)
• Satish Sharma: Cabinet Minister (Portfolios: Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Transport, Science & Technology, Information Technology, Youth Services & Sports, and ARI & Trainings)

Room for Expansion

If all sitting ministers retain their portfolios, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah can induct up to three additional ministers to reach the statutory cap of nine. However, should any existing cabinet members be relieved of their posts, the administration will have room to induct more new entrants.

An official announcement detailing the ceremony’s date, time, and the list of inductees is expected following consultations between the Chief Minister and the Lieutenant Governor.