**Bhubaneswar:** Following Pradeep Maharathy’s resignation from the Odisha Cabinet, Finance Minister Sashi Bhushan Behera and ST & SC Development Minister Ramesh Majhi were handed over additional portfolios held by the Pipili MLA.
40-year-old Majhi, who took over the Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Departments, said that he would focus on pursuing the programmes of the State Government.
“My priority would be addressing the requirements of the common men and expediting effective implementation of schemes which are already in place,” said Majhi.
Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment Department is an instrumental wing for implementation of many important schemes launched by the State Government.
Taking over this department, Behera, a veteran Trade Unionist said that new Departments mean more responsibility. Behera will also be in-charge of Fisheries and Animal Resource Development Department.
“Within a less span of time I will lay maximum stress on the key programmes meant for development of agriculture and financial empowerment of farmers of Odisha,” Finance and Excise Minister, Behera said.
