Chief Minster Pramod Sawant on Tuesday hit out at opposition parties for promoting 'nepotism' and said that instead of 'family raj', political parties should promote women and youth in politics outside their family clan.
"I request all the political parties to encourage women and youth's participation from public life instead of picking up from 'family'," the Chief Minister said while adding that they should promote talented and hardworking women and youth in politics.
Sawant was speaking at the sideline of day two of the National Women's Parliament to mark the 60th year of Goa's liberation from Portuguese rule.
Hoping that such an event will encourage and empower women and youths, Sawant said that he has written to all chief ministers and speakers to participate and also requested them to hold such a conference which will empower women and youth.
When asked about women and youth representation in BJP, Sawant pointed out that the highest representation of women is in the Narendra Modi government. "The party is increasing women and youth participation at all levels. Eleven women parliamentarians have been made union ministers, which is the highest in any government, and in BJP-ruled states, women leaders are given key responsibility. We are also giving them proper share in ticket distribution and encouraging women and youth leadership in the country," he said.
Similarly, he said, the government is providing employment to women by promoting the products made by various women self-help groups. "On the one hand we are working towards contributing to a self-reliant India and on the other, we are working on a self-sufficient Goa. We plan to organise such events every two years," he added.