Women banned from wearing 'attractive clothes' in India's Rajasthan village

Village's panchayat believes rape and molestation are on the rise because women wear attractive clothes

A village panchayat (council)  in Dholpur, Rajasthan state of India has ordered that girls should not wear jeans and “attractive clothes” and should avoid using cell phones as they were “ruining our culture".

The sermon was issued on Saturday when members of the Kushwah community held a panchayat meeting to discuss social reforms.

The panchayat also placed a ban on alcohol consumption and sale of tobacco pouches, reported The Hindustan Times.

“Our aim is to do away with all bad habits in the village. We have put a ban on girls wearing jeans and attractive clothes for the overall development of the village,” said Dhaniram Kushawaha, a panchayat member.

“Incidents of rape and molestation are on the rise as women wear attractive clothes,” he added.

The panchayat members have asked parents to not give their daughters jeans and cell phones and monitor their activities.

They also clarified that their decisions will be implemented “forcibly” in the village.



“Good decisions were made by the panchayat to eradicate social evils. Incidents of rape and molestation are on the rise as women wear attractive clothes,” said Kanasil Hariom Singh Parmar, the panchayat head said.

However, the panchayat and its decision is being severely opposed and questioned by many, including the Rajasthan Women’s Commission (RCW). We have taken cognisance of the [media] reports and asked the Dholpur district collector to get the matter inquired,” RWC Chairperson Suman Sharma told PTI.

Besides, the panchayat members are believed to have also introduced prohibition on liquor, betting and tobacco. While those found consuming alcohol will have to pay a penalty of Rs1,100, those who inform the panchayat about the sale and consumption of alcohol will be given Rs500 in cash as a reward.

They have also decided to approach the panchayat head and not the police in case of any dispute, reported India Today.



The RCW said the sermon was "dictatorial" and that no one from the village was speaking about the ‘deliberations’ of the panchayat. District Collector Vinod Kumar Meena said they had yet to receive any complaint. “We will consider legal action against them [panchayat members] after receiving a complaint,” Meena told Hindustan Times.