Like Maharashtra ban on dance bars, Delhi government’s guidelines to check sexual abuse and trafficking at spas are well-intentioned but not well-thought through. A blanket ban on ‘cross-gender massage’ is regressive, will hurt employment prospects of women and push seedy operators underground. Tougher, non-corrupt regulation will protect women, not bans.
Assam and Mizoram withdrawing FIRs a relief. But Delhi must be more pro-active
Withdrawal of FIRs by Assam and Mizoram and Assamese ministers’ planned visit to Aizawl for talks comes as a relief. CM Himanta Biswa Sarma must also help end Mizoram’s undeclared economic blockade as a confidence-building measure. Delhi should be more pro-active in finding solutions to border disputes between northeastern states.
Nitish Kumar demanding Pegasus probe embarrassing for Modi govt
Bihar CM Nitish Kumar echoing the opposition’s demand for a probe into Pegasus snooping is embarrassing for Modi government. Its cussed refusal to order an investigation or even debate in Parliament reflects an ostrich mindset. This scandal can’t be brushed under the carpet as it’ll keep surfacing across the world.