Team Herald
PANJIM: The next weekend will see the completion of Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant-led cabinet as three cabinet berths are still vacant after nine ministers were sworn in on March 28 followed by allocation of portfolios on Sunday.
“The three cabinet berths will be filled in. Cabinet expansion will be done by next weekend. Portfolios will also be allocated soon thereafter,” the CM told reporters at his official residence in Sunday evening.
About the distribution of portfolios, CM Sawant said experienced ministers have been included in the cabinet. “Ministry has been given to experienced ministers, who have handled portfolios in the past. They will perform and carry forward the central schemes,” he said emphasising on ” Zero corruption and good governance” to carry out people’s work on a fast track mode.
His statement also comes at the backdrop of demands from Pernem locals to include it’s MLA Pravin Arlekar in the cabinet. The CM has neither confirmed nor denied his inclusion in the cabinet expansion stating, “We are concerned about Pernem and its people. Not necessary that development can happen only while being in ministry.”
“He (Arlekar) can or cannot be given cabinet rank or he can even get a Corporation,” he said.
The CM also said that many private jobs will be created and past mistakes will not be repeated.
