In a significant shake-up within the Punjab cabinet, Minister Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer has undergone a major reassignment, losing the bulk of his portfolios. Many of Hayer’s departments have been transferred to Public Relations Minister Chetan Singh Jouramajra.
Hayer now oversees only the Sports and Youth Welfare department, as his control over the Mines and Geology, as well as Water Resources departments, has been transferred to Jouramajra. Jouramajra had expressed discontent after his Health ministerial portfolio was altered earlier in January this year. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has personally retained control over the Science and Technology department. This marks the second time Hayer’s portfolio has been altered; previously, he held responsibility for Higher and School Education. Notably, Jouramajra becomes the fourth Irrigation minister during the 20 months of the Aam Aadmi Party’s governance in Punjab. Brahm Shankar Jimpa was the initial appointee to the Irrigation department, succeeded by Harjot Bains and then Hayer. The Cabinet portfolio adjustments were proposed by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and received approval from Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit earlier in the day.
