Who gets what in Omar Abdullah’s Cabinet – PWD for Deputy CM, Health & Education for Sakina Itoo

The health and medical education department, along with school education, higher education and social welfare, have been allotted to Sakina Itoo while Javed Ahmed Rana will be minister for Jal Shakti, forest, ecology and environment as well as tribal affairs.

Javid Ahmad Dar has been given charge of the agriculture production, rural development and Panchayati Raj, cooperative, and election, and Satish Sharma will be minister for food, civil supplies & consumer affairs, transport, science & technology, information technology, youth services & sports and training.

While the chief minister is yet to appoint three other ministers in his government, the current cabinet includes three ministers from Jammu division and two from Kashmir. The National Conference government has sought to balance political representation for both provinces of the UT through this move.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah chaired a review meeting of developmental activities at the civil secretariat Friday. Emphasising the necessity of adhering to deadlines, he urged his cabinet colleagues to actively monitor and review the departments assigned to them. “The reviews will provide us with a clear understanding of where we stand and help us move forward effectively,” he said.

Omar announced that his office would also begin reviewing other departments directly under his purview, ensuring comprehensive oversight of government functions.

“The government is committed to fostering a transparent and accountable administration, and it is vital that each department works in unison to deliver the benefits of development to the grassroots level,” the chief minister said.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has appointed senior NC leader and Eidgah MLA Mubarak Gul as Pro-tem Speaker to the J&K Assembly. As Pro-Tem — or temporary — Speaker, Gul will administer the oath of office to all members of the J&K Legislative Assembly Monday.