Prez laments low participation of women in public life in Goa

PANJIM: Pointing out that low participation of women in workforce is not a proper situation for a liberal society like Goa, President of India, Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday asked the government and people of the State to put in efforts towards changing the situation.

Addressing the special session of the Goa Legislative Assembly at Porvorim, Murmu said, “Goa is among the leading States on many parameters of development. The per capita GDP in this State is almost two-and-a-half times higher than the national average. Goa is also among the leading States of the country on parameters such as water management, export preparedness, innovation, education and health. However, one area in which the government and people of Goa need to give attention is the participation of women in public life and the workforce.”

- Advertisement -

The President said that Parliament and State Legislatures are sacred institutions that represent the sovereignty of the people. The people’s representatives discuss and take decisions on the subject of public interest at these sacred places. Therefore, meaningful and effective participation of the members in the proceedings is important.

She noted that for the last several years, the proceedings of the Goa Legislative Assembly have been telecast live. The President said that through this telecast, common people see how their representatives are behaving and raising their issues in the House.

“This live streaming strengthens relationships of people’s representatives with the public but also puts additional responsibility on the MLAs. Their conduct in the House is expected to be decent,” the president said.

The President said that it should be the endeavour of the government and people of the State to establish Goa as a model of development, which can be emulated by other States as well. This would be an important contribution of Goa to the country in the ‘Amrit Kaal’, she added.

- Advertisement -

Women’s groups dismayed over denial of appointment

PANJIM: Women’s groups and concerned citizens of Goa were disappointed for denying them appointment with President Droupadi Murmu, to submit a memorandum to her over Manipur violence.

According to activist Sabina Martins, they had submitted five names in advance as sought by the Rashtrapati Bhavan Secretariat as a representative delegation. “We came from different parts of Goa and were waiting in Panjim since Wednesday afternoon. We had been asked to keep the team ready and on standby. But when we called to follow-up at the potential time given, we were told our names were not on the list,” she said, adding that it was disheartening that no time was given over such a burning issue, while she is currently visiting the State.