Daijiworld Media Network- Panaji

Panaji, Aug 27: In the midst of Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations, Goa’s political landscape witnessed a cabinet reshuffle on Tuesday evening as Chief Minister Pramod Sawant allocated portfolios to two newly inducted ministers while effecting minor changes among existing ones.

Former Chief Minister Digambar Kamat has been assigned the Public Works Department (PWD), Captain of Ports and Legal Metrology, while former Speaker Ramesh Tawadkar will now handle Art & Culture, Tribal Welfare and Sports in the Sawant-led cabinet.

Among other ministers, Subhash Phaldessai has been entrusted with Drinking Water, but has been relieved of Archives and Archaeology. Sudin Dhavalikar has been given Museum & Gazetteer in addition to his existing charge, though Housing has been withdrawn from him.

The crucial portfolios of Law and Judiciary as well as Environment, which fell vacant after Aleixo Sequeira’s resignation last week, will remain with Chief Minister Sawant for now. The CM will also retain charge of other unallocated departments.

The portfolio announcement followed a marathon meeting at the Chief Minister’s official residence in Panaji on Tuesday evening.