The first cabinet of independent India

14 ministers were inducted into the country’s cabinet. Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru took additional charge of external affairs and scientific reseach.

The New Cabinet which will function from August 15,1947 will consist of the following members. Their Portfolios are indicated opposite their names.

1. Jawaharlal Nehru: Prime Minister; External Affairs and Commonwealth Relations; Scientific Research.
2. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel: Home; Information and Broadcasting; States.
3. Dr Rajendra Prasad: Food and agriculture.
4. Maulana Abul Kalam Azad: Education.
5. Dr John Matthai: Railways and Transport.
6. Sardar baldev Singh: Defence.
7. Shri Jagjivan Ram: Labour.
8. Mr C.H. Bhabha: Commerce.
9. Mr Rafi Ahmad Kidwai: Communications.
10. Rajkumari Amrit Kaur: Health.
11. Dr B.R Ambedkar: Law.
12. Shri R.K. Shanmukham Chetty: Finance.
13. Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerji: Industries and Supplies.
14. Shri N. V. Gadgit: Works, Mines and Power