
In a shocking order, girls at a college in Bhiwani were imposed a fine of INR 100/- each time they were caught wearing jeans to college. Further, several such restrictions have been imposed on students of colleges in Haryana, Pune and several other cities in Uttar Pradesh.
Allegedly, the college authorities said that they opposed wearing short dresses and jeans because they are the cultural import from the west which tarnishes the cultural traditions of India and corrupts the minds of youth. A senior political leader from Haryana went too far imposing such restrictions and said that wearing jeans is the root cause of rape and hence it should be restricted.
National Commission for Women(NCW) had severely criticized this diktat issued by the anti-progressive college authorities. Such bans in the progressive democratic country like India is not only unwelcoming but also unconstitutional. The government should not use the power to dictate the lifestyle of the residents of the country.
The need of the hour is to focus on bringing change in the mindset of youth, particularly males, rather than policing the clothes of girls. Restricting the girls from wearing jeans or skirts would not bring about any change, as the woman who is fully covered in a saree or a burqa is as susceptible and vulnerable as a woman wearing a short skirt. Hence, rather than propagating a false agenda, the youth should be educated to respect women.
39-F22