The total strength of the Council of Ministers is now 78, including the Prime Minister.
The current reshuffle has boosted the number of cabinet ministers from 21 to 30 and the number of junior ministers from 23 to 45. There are fewer junior ministers with Independent charge – the figure has dropped from nine to two.
The Union Cabinet and the Council of Ministers will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi after a major expansion and reshuffle of his ministers.
The two meetings will be held back-to-back. While the cabinet meeting is likely to take place at 5 pm, the Council of Ministers may meet at 7 pm.
It is usual for the Prime Minister to convene meetings of the Union Cabinet as well as the Council of Ministers after a reshuffle or expansion exercise.