Fashion shows to be banned in college premises in MP

Bhopal, June 27 (UNI) A confused situation has developed in Madhya Pradesh over the reported state government's decision to ban fashion shows in schools and colleges from the next academic session.

Higher Education Minister Tukojirao Pawar feigned ignorance when he was contacted over a news in this regard broadcast by a television channel today. He said he had no knowledge if such as decision was taken.

School Education department secretary Manoj Jhalani also feigned ignorance in this regard. He said if such a decision had been taken, it would be effective in colleges.

Meanwhile, state BJP spokesperson and party MLA Umashankar Gupta defended the government during the television programme stating that the decision was in the interest of students. He said values were given importance in Indian culture.

Mr Gupta said fashion shows could be organised outside the premises of educational institutions and anyone was free to take part in them.

State Congress General Secretary Manak Agrawal criticised the decision describing it as a RSS agenda.

He said youths got an opportunity to polish their skills during such programmes in educational institutions. The decision would discourage youths.

Meanwhile, Education Commissioner S N Mishra told UNI late in the night today that the colleges had been directed not to organise such events in view of incidents related to misconduct in some girls colleges.

He said the Higher Education Department had issued the directions to not organise fashion shows from academic session 2007-08 keeping girl colleges in mind, as complaints had been received in this regard from some parts of the state.

UNI