In yet another surprising move, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal restrained himself from keeping any portfolio. After taking oath of office and secrecy at Ramlila Maidan, the Chief Minister (CM) allocated portfolios to his six Ministers and said he would just oversee the work of all the Ministers. According to party sources, Kejriwal wants to concentrate on weeding out corruption using modern technology and tools of good governance to bring changes wherever required for the overhaul of the present system.
“His focus will be on striking a chord with the people of Delhi to find out grey areas in the system and their remedies,” said a party member. Manish Sisodia, the Deputy Chief Minister, has been entrusted with Finance, Planning, Revenue, Services, Education, including higher and technical education, land and Building, Vigilance and Information Technology and any other departments not specifically allocated to any Minister. Sisodia will be operating from Room No. 608 on the 6th floor of the Secretariat.
The average age in Arvind Kejriwal’s Cabinet is less than 40 years, making it one of the youngest Cabinets in the country. After the swearing-in ceremony at Ramlila Ground, Kejriwal, along with his Cabinet Ministers, held a meeting at the Secretariat to decide the portfolios. He remained at his office for more than one-and-half-hour. Admiral (retired) l Ramdass and his wife lalita Ramdass were also present at his office. After deciding the portfolio of his Ministers, Kejriwal tweeted, “Some people are surprised and asking me why I didn’t keep any portfolio wid myselfIJ I don’t think a CM shud micromanage any one ministry(1/3). “I will devote myself 2 finding systemic solns to Delhi’s problems n implementing them. This includes tech as well as governance solns(2/3). Also I will regularly monitor the work of all ministers n MlAs n hold them accountable(3/3),” Kejriwal tweeted.
Satyendra Jain, who would be second-most powerful Minister in the Kejriwal Government, has been given power, health, industries, Public Works Department (PWD), Flood and Irrigation and Gurudwara. Handling the power department would be a litmus test for Jain as it will cater to fulfilling the promises the AAP made during campaigning. Jain was the Health Minister in the previous 49-day AAP Government. Jain will operate his office from 702 at 7th floor.
Gopal Rai, who is a poorvanchali face in the Kejriwal Government, has been entrusted with the departments of Employment, Development, labour, Transport and General Administration Department (GAD). He has been allotted room no 708 at 7th floor. Jitender Singh Tomar will look after departments of Home, law and Justice, Tourism, Art and Culture. Tomar has been allotted room no 808 at 8th floor.
Asim Ahmed Khan has been allocated the departments of Food and Supply, Environment and Forest and Election. He will operate from 802 at 8th floor. The departments of Women and Child Welfare, Social Welfare, language and SC and ST have been allocated to Sandeep Kumar. Kumar has been allotted room no 701,702,703 and 705 at level 7th.