PANAJI
New Water Resources Department (WRD) Minister Subhash Shirodkar on Monday said he had conveyed to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant that he was not interested in the education portfolio.
"I have been associated in the education field for the last 50 years. So, many people were expecting that I would be given the education portfolio. However, I had requested the CM that the education portfolio should not be given to me,” said Shirodkar, while speaking to the media.
For Shirodkar, the WRD portfolio is new to him, having earlier handled the portfolios of education, PWD and transport as a former minister.
“After a gap of 15 years, I will be handling ministerial portfolios,” said Shirodkar, while thanking Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and the BJP for giving him a cabinet berth.
Describing WRD as an important portfolio, Shirodkar said ensuring that every household gets tap water would be an important responsibility for his department.
He also stated that maintenance of the Salaulim and Anjunem dams, upgrading existing dams and taking up new projects would be other focus areas.
“I will also study the Mhadei issue so that a proper decision can be taken in the matter,” said Shirodkar.
Commenting on his other portfolio of cooperation, the minister said the cooperation sector has to reach people at the grass roots.
