MAKWANPUR: Chief Minister of Bagmati Pradesh Asta Laxmi Shakya expanded the cabinet today inducting six ministers and 4 state ministers.

Shakya, who became the Chief Minister on August 18, had earlier appointed two ministers. Of them, one has joined the newly formed CPN (Unified Socialist) led by Madhav Nepal.

The newly-appointed ministers of Bagmati Province have taken oath of office and secrecy.

Shakya has appointed Rachana Khadka as the Minister of Economic Affairs and Planning, Bijay Subedi as the Minister of Internal Affairs and Law, and Shanti Prasad Poudel as the Minister of Industry, Tourism, Forest and Environment.

Similarly, Pradip Kumar Katuwal Chhetri has been appointed as Minister for Health; Ajay Kranti Shakya as Minister for Social Development, and Chandra Lama as Minister for Land Management and Agricultural Cooperatives.

Among the ministers of state are Jeevan Khadka, Saraswati Bati, Juneli Shrestha and Badri Mainali.