NT Reporter | Panaji
The office Social Welfare Department will shift to its new premises located at New Market Complex, Goa Housing Board, Porvorim by the end of January 2026, said Social Welfare director Dipak Desai.
Desai said the move had been planned earlier but was delayed due to pending furnishing work.
He said another reason for the delay was lack of space, as the new premises can house only 90–100 staff while the department employs 120.
“Almost 70 to 75% of the work has been completed, and now we have given a deadline of two months for completing the remaining work,” he said.
Authorities have assured completion within the deadline, Desai said. “We are looking forward to shifting the office soon,” he said. A work order worth Rs 2 crore was issued for the project.
The department currently operates from a 110-year-old building on 18th June Road, which has deteriorated significantly. Leaks during monsoon put staff to inconvenience, while incidents of parts of ceiling have posed safety risks, including threats of short circuits.
The department has repeatedly flagged the condition to the PWD, and earlier this year sent a formal
letter to the executive engineer requesting urgent repairs, including replacing roof-tiles, installing asbestos sheets and placing plastic covers over windows during monsoon.
“The shifting to new presmises will ensure better safety for both staff and visitors,”
Desai said. The will be improved accessibility to the new location, he added.
