Early Times Report
JAMMU, Mar 7: As usual ritualistic ceremonies will be observed on the occasion of International Women's day but restrictions on girl students in various government degree colleges of the state, exposes the hollowness of equality claims.
"As usual to mark the day on March 8th, functions will be organized across length and breadth of country and in various educational institutions of the state, where long speeches will be delivered regarding the significance of day. The day is associated with freedom of women and a resolve to achieve equality of women in case of wages, jobs, political representation and other sectors but in our state, discrimination is going on as usual", a student of Government Degree College said.
The student further said that in Gandhi Nagar College, Prade College, restrictions for the girl students have been placed by college administration. "Once we entered the college, we are not allowed by gatekeepers to leave the college till 1:30 PM. Even if there will be some important piece of work, permission is to be sought from the Principal", a girl student said, adding that contrary to such practice, in MAM College there was no restriction for boys, who entered and returned back as per their choice.
Moreover, in GDC Kathua also, few years back, the restrictions on the girl students were lifted but once again, same have been imposed by incumbent Principal. "It is compulsory for girls to wear white uniform but there is no compulsion for boys, who used to wear clothes as per their choice. Why different yardsticks for boys and girls, when both are of same age", another girl student said?"
The girls further castigated that there must be no restriction on the girls and they must be treated equally. "If there is restriction for girl students then boys must be also restricted and if there is uniform for the girls, then it must be compulsory for the boys also, otherwise there is no rationale of celebrating international women's day and making long speeches about women's freedom and equality", the girls said.
"Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti is also a women and she must take a call on such discriminatory policy. Even Education Minister Altaf Bukhari can also take decision and end up such decades old discrimination" the girl student opined.
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