India, June 8 -- Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday allocated portfolios to 12 newly inducted ministers taking the overall strength to 17.

The chief minister has kept home and political, PWD (Buildings and National Highways), PWD (Roads), power, information, public relations, printing and stationery and other departments not allotted to any other minister.

In his first term, Sarma handled home, personnel, PWD (buildings and national highways), PWD (roads) and medical education.

Ashok Singhal, who was the health and family welfare minister in the previous government, has been given the same portfolio with the additional responsibility of medical education and research.

Bimal Bora will be handling cultural affairs, indus...