Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed on Tuesday inducted 20 people into his ministry.

He also elevated ministers of state Nawang Rigzin and Haji Nissar Ali, from Leh and Kargil respectively, to the Cabinet level.

Governor G C Saxena administered the oath of office and secrecy at a function in Raj Bhawan, Jammu.

The strength of the People's Democratic Party-led coalition government has now gone up to 29.

Abdul Aziz Mir, Mohammed Sharief Naz, Madan Lal, Lal Singh, Hakim Yaseen, Taj Mohi-ud-Din, Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Sofi were among those who took oath as Cabinet ministers.

The expansion is seen as an exercise by the chief minister to keep his flock together and give stability to coalition government, which has promised to give a 'healing touch' to the 'bruised hearts and minds of people'.