Odisha Cabinet Reshuffle: CM Naveen Patnaik changes five minister's portfolios
Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik has effected changes in the portfolio of five ministers and relinquished Works and Water Resources portfolios held by him days after BJD's win in Bijepur by-polls. Patnaik allotted additional portfolio to Industries Minister Niranjan Pujari, Steel and Mines Minister Prafulla Mallick, Labor Minister Sushant Singh, Health and Family Welfare Minister Pratap Jena, and Higher Education Minister Ananta Das. Here's more.
Naveen Patnaik held water resources, works departments since 2004
Meanwhile, Odisha's Industries, Housing & Urban Development Minister Niranjan Pujari was given additional charge of Water Resources and Steel and Mines Minister Prafulla Mallick was given additional charge of Works. Both water resources and works departments were held by CM Patnaik since 2004. Labor and Employment Minister Sushant Singh has been given additional charge of Energy Department, which was earlier held by Prafulla Mallick.
Health Minister Jena given additional I&PR charge
Also, the state's Minister for Health, Family Welfare, and Law, Pratap Jena, has been given additional charge of Information and Public Relations (I&PR) while Labor and Employment Minister Sushant Singh will hold additional charge of Energy. Rural Development Minister BK Arukha was earlier holding I&PR department. Higher Education minister Ananta Das has been given additional charge of Industry department.
Ministers thank CM Patnaik for giving them additional charges
Though the reason behind the sudden reshuffle isn't yet known, sources said Patnaik elevated some ministers based on their performance. "I am committed to work for the people of Odisha. I thank Chief Minister for posing trust on me," said Prafulla Mallick, who was given additional charge of works department. Pratap Jena said: "I am grateful to chief minister for giving me I&PR department."
