Panaji (GOA): The newly appointed Goa Mahila Congress Committee (GMCC) President Pratima Coutinho has demanded 33 percent reservation for the women in the State assembly.

Coutinho on Wednesday took charge succeeding Sunita Vernekar. She was appointed as Mahila congress chief last week by AICC vice president Rahul Gandhi.

Coutinho has been active member of the Congress party for nearly a decade now.

Talking to reporters after taking over charge, Coutinho demanded that women should be given 33 percent reservation in the state politics. “Why can’t women get equal representation in the State assembly? Women need to be encouraged in the politics,” she said.

Coutinho said that she will ensure that the mahila congress wing is strengthened and work effectively raising issues concerning women. She also said that the members will not hesitate to come on street protesting against BJP led government if it intends to suspend the social welfare schemes.

The mahila congress has decided to gherao the social welfare director over government decision to review social welfare schemes.

Team TNV