"Why should girls study?"

An education minister in Bihar made a caustic remark about girls’ education. Bihar Education Minister Mithilesh Tiwari proposed that girls should not study in this modern era but stay at home. When asked by media persons about the rights of girls, the minister replied that they will get their rights automatically. Mithilesh Tiwari, a BJP MLA, took charge as a minister the other day. Before becoming a minister, Mithilesh was a teacher.

It is deplorable that people who carry such an archaic mentality still find a place in the elite ranks of power. These are times when women have established their presence in all fields. Educated women these days tirelessly work to get a job first instead of getting married. They are trying to come out of the old stigma which made women suppressed due to their lack of economic independence.

The concept that women should stay at home and do housework and take care of children is part of the entrenched patriarchy. The concentration of power in society is related to wealth. It is a reality that women who are destined to live only at the expense of men are often denied many of their fundamental rights. It is only through education that women can make a difference.

In this modern era, no field is alien to women. Men and women have equal rights and freedom. Even epic myths were distorted and interpreted by shrewd people to justify the role of men and relegate women’s importance. Those who are reluctant to accept that achievements made by women continue to scoff at girls’ education.

Recently, the Supreme Court remarked that wife is not someone to be treated like an animal. This remark of the court points out that such situations exist in our country despite the progress of time. This cannot be changed in a day. Women can establish their identity only through education and by starting their own income-generating jobs or enterprises. Education and employment are essential for girls to get rid of the feeling of living as a pawn of their husbands.

In this context, the minister who asked why girls should study has lost the moral right to sit in the chair of the education minister. Merely preaching about women's power is of no use. Political leaders in India should be able to do justice to women in their actions as well.