Union Minister Shripad Naik Union Minister Shripad Naik

Union Tourism Minister Shripad Naik has called for controlling the pub culture in the country, saying that it leads to unwanted things.

Naik was reacting to comments made by Goa's Transport Minister Sudin Dhavalikar, who had called for banning of mini-skirts.

"I don't know exactly what he (Dhavalikar) said, but I would say that pub culture should be controlled. Whatever unwanted things are happening there (pubs) should not happen."

"If we don't divert from pub culture then it will increase and it is not in the interest of the country. We have to promote other branches of tourism," he added.

He, however, refused to comment on the casino issue, saying that it comes under the state government.

Naik was responding to media queries on the sidelines of a tourism related event at Dona Paula.

Meanwhile, NCW chairperson Mamta Sharma slammed Naik and said that his statement shows narrow-mindedness.

