Elvis removed as Tourism director

NT NETWORK
Posted on 2009-01-07
PANAJI- Differences over functioning with the Tourism Minister, Mr Francisco Xavier Pacheco, cost the director of Tourism, Mr Elvis Gomes, his chair as the government decided to shift him from the post. The order, however, states that the transfer has been effected in “public interest”.
Mr Swapnil Naik, the additional Collector-I of North Goa, would be the new director of Tourism with immediate effect as per the government order issued late on Tuesday evening. Mr Gomes has been asked to report to the personnel department for further posting. The government by the same order directed Mr Sunil Masurkar, director of Civil Supplies, to hold the charge of the post of additional Collector-I (North Goa) in addition to his own duties until further orders.
Mr Pacheco had taken exception to a certificate issued by Mr Gomes to two hotels stating that they had facilities equivalent to five star hotels enabling them to apply for obtaining licence for installing and operating games of electronic amusement/slot machine and sought a vigilance enquiry. Mr Gomes had defended his action and said that he acted as per the government norms.