NEW DELHI: A video of a news anchor from Haryana reading her news bulletin wearing veil has gone viral.
Pratima Dutta from STV Haryana News wore veil to read bulletin after the state government advertisement describing ‘ghoonghat’ (veil) as the “identity of the State” which has sparked a controversy.
Krishi Samvad, a supplement of the Haryana Samvad, a monthly magazine published by the state government, claims ‘Ghunghat’ for women is the state’s proud identity.
The woman in the advertisement is seen carrying cattle feed on her head, even as the caption reads: “Ghoongat ki aan-baan, mahre Haryana ki pechchan (pride of the veil is the identity of my Haryana)”.
The front cover of the magazine carries the photo of Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar.
Dutta speaking to Janta Ka Reporter told, “It was a protest against the state government’s diktat forcing us to wear ghoonghat. I was shocked when I read in the state government’s journal describing ghoonghat as the identity of the state. It was outrageous to say the least and reflected the government’s regressive mindset given the same government has been leading the campaign on Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao. What’s the use of this campaign on girl child’s empowerment when all the state government wants is ghoonghat on our faces.”