Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai expanded his cabinet on Wednesday, August 20, with three MLAs taking oath as ministers at the Raj Bhavan in Raipur. Governor Ramen Deka administered the oath to Rajesh Agarwal, Guru Khuswant Saheb, and Gajendra Yadav, raising the total number of ministers in the Sai-led cabinet to 14.
Portfolio Allocation
The newly inducted ministers were assigned the following departments:
- Gajendra Yadav: School Education, Village Industry, Law and Legislative Affairs
- Guru Khuswant Saheb: Skill Development, Technical Education and Employment, Scheduled Caste Development
- Rajesh Agarwal: Tourism, Culture, Religious Trusts and Dharmasva
CM Congratulates New Ministers
Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai congratulated the three ministers, expressing confidence in their ability to serve the public with dedication, efficiency, and loyalty. He emphasized that the new cabinet members would bring fresh perspectives and contribute significantly to state development and good governance.
Deputy CM and Other Ministers’ Portfolio Updates
Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao has been given additional responsibility for the Sports and Youth Welfare Department. At the same time, Revenue Minister Tank Ram Verma has taken charge of the Higher Education Department, following the transfer of Sports and Youth Welfare responsibilities. Minister Lakhan Lal Devangan has been assigned the Excise Department.
Chhattisgarh Adopts ‘Haryana Model’
Until this expansion, the Sai cabinet comprised 13 ministers, including the Chief Minister. With the induction of three new ministers, the cabinet now has 14 members. Sources indicate that Chhattisgarh has adopted the ‘Haryana Model’, allowing 14 ministers in a 90-member Legislative Assembly.
Constitutional Provisions
According to constitutional provisions, the Council of Ministers in a state, including the Chief Minister, cannot exceed 15% of the total Legislative Assembly members. In Chhattisgarh, with 90 MLAs, this allows for 14 cabinet members, making the recent expansion fully compliant with the law.
Implications for Governance
The cabinet reshuffle is expected to strengthen administrative efficiency and enhance focus on key development areas, such as education, skill development, tourism, and youth welfare. The addition of new ministers also reflects CM Sai’s intention to broaden representation within the cabinet while staying within constitutional limits.
