Raman takes oath as CM

Singh later said that the cabinet will be announced in two stages. He will leave for Delhi on Friday to discuss the composition of the ministry with senior leaders. BJP sources,however,said the party has given him a free hand to choose his ministers. Since five of his 12 ministers lost the polls,several news faces are expected in the cabinet.

Later in the day,addressing his first press conference after assuming the office,Singh announced that his government has begun implementation of the poll manifesto from Thursday itself. “We promised to take initiatives to increase the minimum procurement price of rice to Rs 2100. Since its price is decided by the Centre,immediately after taking the oath I wrote to the Prime Minister in this regard,” he said.

He also announced that to free tribals and forest-dwellers from the exploitation of middlemen,the government will begin purchase of tamarind,mahua seed,kosa and other forest products. At present,the government only regulates the purchase of tendu leaves. “The move will positively impact 14 lakh tribal families,” he said.

He also announced that all priority households will be given foodgrains at Rs 1 per kg from January 1,2014.