Mumbai, Nov 9 : Portfolios have been allocated to ministers in the new Maharashtra State Cabinet by Chief Minister Ashok Chavan.

While Chavan will handle the urban development and the cultural affairs ministries, R. R. Patil has been given the home department.

The revenue department has been given to Narayan Rane, while Jayant Patil and Baban Rao Pachpute has been given the charge of rural development and tribal development respectively.

The public works department has been given to Deputy Chief Minister Chhagan Bhujbal. Sunil Tatkare will handle finance, while Ajit Pawar has been given power and water resources. Higher and technical education continues to be with Rajesh Tope.

Meanwhile, the first three-day session of the 12th Maharashtra State Assembly will start today. The first two days will see 287 members of the house and a new Speaker taking oath.

A session of the Council would be held on November11. State Governor S C Jamir will address both Houses on the same day. (ANI)