J&K Lt Governor assigns portfolios to ministers

On the recommendations of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Jammu & Kashmir Lieutenant-Governor Manoj Sinha has assigned portfolios to five ministers of the Union Territory.

An order issued from Raj Bhavan, Srinagar said: “In pursuance of Rule 4 (2) of the Transaction of Business of the Government of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir Rules, 2019, LG Sinha assigned the charge to various ministers."

Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Deputy Chief Minister, will handle Public Works (R&B), Industries and Commerce, Mining, Labour and Employment, and Skill Development.

Sakeena Masood Itoo will manage Health and Medical Education, School Education, Higher Education, and Social Welfare.

Javed Ahmed Rana is assigned Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology and Environment, and Tribal Affairs.

Javid Ahmad Dar will oversee Agriculture Production, Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, Cooperative, and Election.

Satish Sharma will be responsible for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Transport, Science and Technology, Information Technology, Youth Services and Sports and ARI and Trainings

“Any remaining departments not assigned to these ministers will continue to be managed by the Chief Minister,” the order said.

Jammu and Kashmir Cabinet has passed a resolution urging the Central government to restore statehood and the draft of the resolution will be carried by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to be given to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a day or two, official sources said.

Speaking to reporters, Farooq's Abdullah said that the restoration of statehood is the top priority of the elected government in Jammu and Kashmir. He also said that the Supreme Court has agreed to hear a petition seeking restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir within two months.