Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jarbom Gamlin on Friday inducted 11 ministers in his new cabinet taking its strength to 12. The only new face in the cabinet is former Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu’s eldest son Pema Khandu. The ten others were retained from the earlier ministry. They were administered the oath of office and secrecy by Governor Gen Retired J J Singh during a brief swearing-in ceremony held at the Durbar Hall of the Itanagar Raj Bhawan around 11 on Friday morning. Jarbom Gamlin took over as the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh on 5th of this month after the tragic demise of his predecessor Dorjee Khandu in a chopper crash in Tawang on 30th April last. AIR Itanagar correspondent reports, those inducted in the new ministry also include senior leader and Home Minister Tako Dabi, PWD minister Nabam Tuki and Finance Minister Setong Sena. Government sources said the portfolios may be allocated later on Friday evening. Among others who were present in the swearing in ceremony include AICC state in-charge Dhaniram Shandil, state Assembly Speaker Wangling Lowangdong, Deputy Speaker Tapang Taloh, MP Ninong Ering, MLAs and top government officials. The 33 year old Pema Khandu is the youngest in the ministry. A graduate from Hindu College, Delhi University, he is married with two children. Meanwhile, the ashes of former Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu were immersed at Dikrong River as per Buddhist rituals on Thursday. The urn containing the ashes was brought to Itanagar from Tawang on May 17. Chief Minister Jarbom Gamlin, Khandu’s wife Rinchin Drema, sons Pema Khandu and Tsering Tashi were present during the immersion. Some of the ashes would be put in Buddhist Stupas to be constructed in various places in the state as a mark of respect to the departed leader.
News On AIR | May 20, 2011 1:21 PM
Arunachal CM inducts 11 ministers in his new cabinet