Staff Reporter, Guwahati, June 19: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma made a minor reshuffle in his cabinet on Tuesday and took charge of the Health and Family Welfare Department.The Health portfolio was earlier held by Keshab Mahanta, who has been reallocated departments held by former minister Parimal Suklabaidya following his election to the Lok Sabha.Mahanta, a member of BJP's alliance partner Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), had held the position since 2021, according to an official notification.Mahanta has been reallocated the departments of Transport, Excise, and Fisheries, which were held by Suklabaidya, in addition to his earlier portfolios of Science, Technology and Climate Change, and Information Technology.Suklabaidya, after his election to the Lok Sabha from Silchar (SC) Parliamentary constituency, resigned from his ministerial position, which has been accepted by the Governor.In addition to the Health and Family Welfare Department, the Chief Minister will continue to hold the portfolios of Home, Personnel, Public Works, Medical Education and Research, Indigenous and Tribal Faith and Culture (except Directorate of Library and Museum and Directorate of Archaeology), and any other department not allotted to any other minister.As Health Minister under Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, Sarma led the state's efforts in tackling the COVID-19 crisis by ramping up health infrastructure, including testing facilities, and taking several measures to ease the difficulties faced by patients, their families, and stranded migrant workers outside the state during the lockdown.Keshab Mahanta was on Tuesday given the new charge of Transport, Fisheries and Excise Department.These portfolios were earlier held by Parimal Shuklabaidya who recently stepped down from various ministerial roles after his recent victory in the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections.Keshab Mahanta’s earlier role as the health minister will be now looked after by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
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