No move to ban skirts in M P schools: BJP

Bhopal, Jun 28 (UNI) No proposal is in existence for banning skirts in Madhya Pradesh's schools and the views of the State Women's Commission chairperson and a few other members were allegedly misinterpreted, the BJP and MPSWC said today.

''Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has already clarified that there is no such proposal,'' the ruling BJP's Madhya Pradesh unit spokesman and senior MLA Umashankar Gupta told UNI.

He said the factual position is that commission Chairperson Relam Chouhan and the others had not made any comment on banning skirts.

''A section of media interpreted the matter in a manner as if the commission chief and members favoured a ban. The government's attention is on enhancing the quality of school education and gathering maximum resources for students,'' the legislator claimed.

A vernacular daily quoted the chief minister as denying having received any recommendation from the commission for a dress code in girls' schools.

Pointing out that no dispute existed over skirts being part of school uniforms, Ms Chouhan added that some commission members expressed opinions but there was nothing regarding a dress code.

''Actually, the issue was over decent and indecent attire and the members expressed views,'' she felt.

When asked whether the issue was on the agenda of the commission's July 5 meeting, the chairperson explained that several issues came up at meetings and this one might be included.

''It is improper to link the fashion world's ever-shortening skirt with uniforms,'' said commission Member Rajo Malviya.

UNI SD-AC RP HT1818