In an unfortunate statement a BJP MLA Banwari Lal Singhal in Rajasthan has on Monday demanded a ban on skirts as uniform in schools to keep girls away from “men’s lustful gazes”.
It is said in reports that, in a written letter to the Rajasthan Chief Secretary C K Mathew, Alwar (Urban) legislator Banwari Lal Singhal demands that skirts should be banned in schools and should be replaced by trousers or Salwar-kameez.
Banwari Lal Singhal said, “The intention of this demand is to keep girl students away from men’s lustful gazes and for their comfort in hot and cold weather conditions.”
Singhal said, “It is not a Talibani type of thinking or restriction on girls’ freedom or right but a concern for their safety.”
He further adds, “I have myself caught several boys taking pictures of school girls by their cell-phones and girls were not aware of it. Such pictures could be misused.”
“Everyone will have to make sure on one’s personal capacity that the dignity of women is protected and this is my effort in my capacity,” Mr. Singhal said.
Talking about crime cases in the country, especially sexual harassment, Singhal said, “The government should take steps to check crime but it is the duty of everyone to make an environment to ensure that crime is not flourished.”
