The portfolio allocation for the new Bihar cabinet has been completed, bringing a historic change in the state government. For the first time, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar will not hold the Home Ministry. The department has been assigned to Deputy Chief Minister and BJP leader Samrat Choudhary, giving him charge of law and order and the state police.
Samrat becomes Bihar Home Minister
In the new cabinet portfolios that were announced on Friday, Choudhary, who continues as Deputy Chief Minister, was given the charge of Home Department. This post was long held by Nitish Kumar, who earned the nickname “Sushasan Babu” for his governance. This marks the first time in two decades that Kumar will not hold the Home portfolio in Bihar.
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As the Home Minister, Chaudhary now has control over the Bihar’s law and order and police. Home Department plays a key role in administration and is considered bedrock of police administration. This Department oversees the maintenance of law and order; prevention and control of crimes; prosecution of criminals besides dealing with fire services and prisons administration, crime control, police modernisation, maintenance of communal harmony.
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Why can't Samrat handle IAS-IPS transfers?
Although Nitish has handed over the Home Department to the BJP, the party has not yet gained full control over the police and administration. This is because, one of the key departments, the General Administration Department remains under the control of CM Nitish. He will continue to be responsible for the transfers of IAS and IPS officers, among others. The General Administration Department is considered the administrative hub for all state departments. It oversees transfers, appointments, promotions, and even disciplinary actions for officers ranging from IAS and IPS to BAS and BPS.
Which departments are under CM Nitish?
Notably, Nitish is holding departments of General Administration, Cabinet Secretariat, Vigilance, Elections and all those departments that have not been allocated to anyone else.
Also Read: What powers does Bihar Home Minister hold? A look at what falls under Samrat Chaudhary’s authority