CM Sarma and Governor (centre) with the cabinet ministers, on Friday. (Photo:@himantabiswa/X)

Guwahati, June 6: Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that the allocation of portfolios for the newly appointed ministers will require some time. The government aims to conduct a thorough review of administrative needs and the strengths of each minister before assigning their respective departments.

After the initial meeting of his newly expanded cabinet, which now includes 16 ministers, Sarma emphasized the importance of evaluating the performance of previous ministers in their departments. This assessment will help determine where the new ministers can make the most significant impact.

“I will take a little time. We need to review the work carried out by the ministers who previously handled various departments and assess which areas the new ministers can serve most effectively. Instead of rushing the process, we will conduct a proper evaluation before allotting the portfolios,” he stated.

While the complete allocation of portfolios will take longer, the Chief Minister mentioned that responsibilities for guardian ministers would be assigned promptly due to the ongoing flood situation in various regions of Assam.

“We will assign guardian minister responsibilities so that ministers can travel to different districts, understand the flood-related challenges, and ensure that district administrations remain fully active and responsive in handling the situation,” Sarma added.

Budget session from July 6

The cabinet has also decided to hold the Assam Legislative Assembly's Budget Session starting July 6. Sarma indicated that this session would facilitate the passage of a comprehensive budget and restore regular financial allocations for various schemes effective August 1.

He noted that several developmental programs had been functioning under limited financial provisions due to the state operating on a vote-on-account arrangement following the Assembly elections.

“From August 1, people will receive the benefits of all government schemes in a regular manner,” he assured.

In response to media inquiries, Sarma urged against speculation, confirming that no government scheme had been halted and that all welfare and development initiatives would continue as planned once the budget is approved.

Currently, the distribution of subsidized pulses, salt, and sugar has been suspended, although rice distribution continues. The Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs Department previously announced that the supply of these three food items, provided at subsidized rates to eligible beneficiaries, would be paused for two months starting June.

The department explained that this suspension is due to the ongoing Vote-on-Account arrangement, adding that the full budget for 2026-27 will be presented by the new government in July.

“The new government will present a full budget in July, and after its passage, the scheme will restart from August,” the department stated.