Conrad allots portfolios

SHILLONG: Prestone Tynsong, who was considered as a strong contender for the chief minister’s post, has been given the charge of PWD (roads), animal husbandry and veterinary, housing, parliamentary affairs and labour departments.
Chief Minister Conrad Sangma would look after the finance, personnel, political, cabinet affairs, planning and any other department not allotted to any other minister.
The chief minister’s brother, James Sangma, will look after home (police, jail and passport), power, food, civil supply and consumer affairs as well as district council affairs and law.
AL Hek is the lone BJP MLA to be included in the cabinet and has been given charge of the health and family welfare department, information and public relations as well as arts and culture.
Sniawbhalang Dhar has been given the important portfolios of transport, commerce and industry, C&RD and soil and water conservation departments.
Comingone Ymbon, who was the power minister in the previous dispensation, has now been allotted the charge of PWD (buildings), GAD and fisheries departments.
First-timers gain
UDP MLA Metbah Lyngdoh, who is a first time minister, has been allotted the tourism, water resources, excise and home guards and civil defence departments.
Lahkmen Rymbui will look after forest and environment, education and border area development.
The youngest minister in the cabinet, Kyrmen Shylla, has been given the responsibility of the revenue and disaster management, social welfare and printing and stationary departments.
Banteidor Lyngdoh will be looking after the agriculture, horticulture, sports and youth affairs, and sericulture and weaving departments.
The giant killer from PDF, Hamlet Dohling, who defeated heavyweight Ronnie Lyngdoh, has been given the plum portfolio of urban affairs including municipal administration besides information and technology.
Ronnie was the former urban affairs minister.
Samlin Malngiang has been given the portfolios of PHE, SAD and legal metrology.