KATHMANDU, Aug 9: The CPN (Maoist Center) has given the responsibility of selecting ministers to represent the party in the new government to its Chairman and Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal.

The decision was made by a meeting Tuesday of the party's office held at the Prime Minister's residence in Baluwatar. The PM was authorized to select the additional five ministers based on inclusion, proportional representation and regional balance, said the party spokesperson Pampha Bhusal.

So far, party leader Krishna Bahadur Mahara has joined the cabinet as Deputy Prime Minister and Finance, Gauri Shanker Chaudhary as Minister for Agriculture and Daljit Sripaili as Minister for Youth and Sports. Other portfolios received by the party are Energy, Federal Affairs and Local Development, Information and Communications and Education.

The meeting today also decided to hold the central general convention organizing committee meeting after August 26. It was scheduled for August 18, spokesperson Bhusal said. RSS