Patna: Newly appointed ministers in the Nitish Kumar government officially began their duties on Saturday, following the distribution of departments. Deepak Prakash, son of Rashtriya Lok Morcha leader Upendra Kushwaha, took charge of the Panchayati Raj Department with a commitment to prioritize village-level development and employment. After assuming office, Prakash conducted a review meeting with senior officials to assess the department’s current operations. He stated that Zila Parishad assets throughout the state will be identified and enhanced for better utilization. According to Prakash, improving these assets will enable local bodies to generate more internal revenue and create additional job opportunities for youth in rural areas, where employment is scarce.
To tackle issues related to irregularities in government schemes, he announced the establishment of a special committee to oversee development programs at the Gram Panchayat level, which will include representatives from various political parties to promote transparency and accountability. Prakash also committed to swiftly filling all vacant positions within the department, as many initiatives are hindered by staffing shortages at various levels. He expressed appreciation to Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for the trust placed in him and pledged to work with utmost dedication. He called for support from officials and the public to enhance the efficiency and people-centricity of the Panchayati Raj system. Following his meeting, Prakash received comprehensive information about the department’s ongoing projects and future plans.
Meanwhile, the government reshuffle continued as ministers Ashok Chaudhary and Shreyasi Singh also assumed their respective roles on Saturday, with more ministers expected to take office in the coming days, signaling a complete transition to the new administrative structure under the Nitish Kumar government.