Bhopal, Aug 17: Most of the ministers in Madhya Pradesh retained their departments as Chief Minister Digvijay Singh allocated portfolios today following expansion of his ministry on August 12. Portfolios held by some other ministers were changed or reduced keeping in view the need to accommodate new ministers, an official release said here.
The Chief Minister continued not to hold any portfolio and has given independent charge to seven ministers of state.


Bisahu Lal Singh would be the new energy minister in place of Hukum Singh Karada, who will continue to hold charge of mineral resources.

Bala Bachchan, who was till now minister of state with independent charge for sports and youth affairs, is the new cabinet minister for public health and family welfare replacing Subhash Soratia who will now look after the commerce and industries department.
Similarly, Narendra Nahata will also continue to be the minister for the commerce and industries department excluding excise, registration and stamps.
Other minister Prem Narayan Thakur, who too was sworn-in on August 12, has been given charge of the panchayat and social welfare department while newcomer Choudhary Rakesh Singh will look after the housing and environment departments, the release said.

Bureau Report