No male tailor should take women’s measurements, proposes UP panel

SHAMLI: Uttar Pradesh State Women's Commission has proposed a slew of radical measures to ensure safety of women in the state. Among them: male tailors must no longer take women's measurements and no men should train women at gyms or during yoga sessions.

In the proposed safety guidelines aimed at "improving security for women in public and commercial spaces", the commission has also recommended that female security personnel be present on school buses, and female staff in women's clothing stores. These suggestions were discussed in an Oct 28 meeting in Lucknow, where commission members explored various measures to address women's safety.

Maneesha Ahlawat, a member of the commission, told TOI on Thursday: "The discussions are preliminary. Feasibility of these proposals is yet to be decided. Once approved, these proposals will be submitted to the govt to draft a policy for ground-level implementation."

Meanwhile, Shamli district probation officer Hamid Hussain has already issued instructions for establishments to start adopting these guidelines. Hussain said key directives include mandatory female trainers or teachers in women's gyms, drama and yoga centres, and installation of CCTV systems with DVR capabilities.

"School buses are now required to have a female security guard or teacher present," Hussain said. "Boutique centres must employ female tailors for taking measurements of women, with active CCTV monitoring. Additionally, coaching centres are required to have CCTV surveillance and proper restroom facilities. Stores selling women-specific clothing and accessories must also employ female staff to assist customers."

Local social worker Veena Agrawal from Shamli welcomed the initiative. "We welcome this effort by the Women's Commission. These measures aim to strengthen safety and ensure a supportive environment for women in various public and commercial spaces across the state," she told TOI.


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