Assam Cabinet Reshuffle: Key Ministries Allocated to New Faces for Effective Governance

The Assam Cabinet reshuffle introduces fresh leadership by reallocating key portfolios to ministers, aimed at improving governance across healthcare, rural development, infrastructure, and welfare sectors.

Guwahati: In a strategic move to enhance governance and streamline administration, the Governor of Assam, acting on the advice of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, announced a reshuffle of key portfolios within the state’s Cabinet on Monday. The reallocation is expected to bring in focused leadership, offering a fresh approach to critical sectors and boosting the state’s development efforts.

New Ministerial Assignments
Prasanta Phukan has been handed several significant portfolios, including the Power Department, Skill, Employment and Entrepreneurship Department, and the Medical Education and Research Department. He will also oversee the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Yojana, aiming to enhance Assam’s healthcare infrastructure, employment opportunities, and energy sustainability.
Kaushik Rai has been assigned the Food, Public Distribution, and Consumer Affairs Department, along with the Mines and Minerals Department and Barak Valley Development Department. His role is pivotal in improving food distribution systems, harnessing the state’s mineral resources, and focusing on the development of the Barak Valley region.
Krishnendu Paul will manage the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department, Fishery Department, and Public Works Roads Department, which includes the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana. His responsibility will be to strengthen the state’s agricultural and livestock sectors and enhance rural infrastructure.
Rupesh Gowala will take charge of the Labour Welfare Department, Tea Tribes and Adivasi Welfare Department, and the Home Department, focusing specifically on prisons, home guards, and civil defense. His leadership will be crucial in advancing welfare programs for marginalized communities and enhancing law enforcement.

Reallocation of Key Departments
Several senior ministers will also see their portfolios adjusted to bolster governance in vital areas:
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma retains his role in the Home Department (excluding specific subjects), Personnel Department, and Public Works Buildings Highways Department, continuing to drive administrative reforms and development.
Ranjeet Kumar Dass will oversee the Panchayat and Rural Development Department, the Judicial Department, and the Tourism Department, with a focus on rural infrastructure, legal reforms, and promoting Assam as a tourism hub.
Atul Bora will manage the Agriculture Department, Excise Department, and Border Protection and Development Department, aiming to improve agricultural productivity, border security, and the state’s excise policies.
Keshab Mahanta will be responsible for the Revenue and Disaster Management Department, Information Technology Department, and Science, Technology and Climate Change Department, prioritizing disaster resilience, digital transformation, and environmental sustainability.
Urkhao Gwra Brahma has been given the Handloom, Textiles and Sericulture Department, Soil Conservation Department, and Welfare of Bodoland Department, supporting traditional industries and the Bodoland region’s socio-economic development.
Chandra Mohan Patowary will oversee the Act East Policy Affairs Department, Environment and Forest Department, and Parliamentary Affairs Department, strengthening Assam’s environmental policies and regional connectivity.
Ranoj Pegu will lead the School Education Department, Higher Education Department, and Tribal Affairs (Plain) Department, focusing on educational reforms and the welfare of tribal communities.
Ashok Singhal has been assigned the Health and Family Welfare Department and the Irrigation Department, working to improve healthcare services and water management systems.
Jogen Mohan will manage the Hill Areas Department, Transport Department, and Co-operation Department, focusing on improving transport infrastructure and cooperative societies.
Ajanta Neog will head the Finance Department and the Women and Child Development Department, driving financial management and gender equality initiatives.
Pijush Hazarika will handle the Information, Public Relations, Printing and Stationery Department, Social Justice and Empowerment Department, and the Water Resources Department, focusing on public communication and welfare programs.
Bimal Bora will be responsible for the Cultural Affairs Department and the Industries, Commerce, and Public Enterprises Department, promoting cultural growth and industrial development.
Jayanta Malla Baruah will manage the Public Health Engineering Department and Housing and Urban Affairs Department, focusing on water supply and urban development.
Nandita Gorlosa will head the Sports and Youth Welfare Department, Welfare of Minorities and Development Department, and Public Works Buildings and National Highways Department, advancing sports, minority welfare, and infrastructure growth.
The reshuffling of portfolios is expected to bring new energy and direction to key sectors, paving the way for more focused governance and development. The fresh assignments are a step toward ensuring that Assam’s administration is equipped to handle the challenges of modern governance, with an emphasis on welfare, infrastructure, education, and sustainability.