Chhattisgarh textbook claims working women cause of unemployment; teacher challenges content

New Delhi: In a bizarre explanation, a class ten social science textbook in the BJP ruled of Chhattisgarh allegedly says that “working women are one of the causes of unemployment" in India.

According to a media report, Soumya Garg, a 24-year-old teacher from Jashpur district brought the content to light and complained about it to the Chhattisgarh State Commission for Women.

"Does it mean that percentage of unemployment is measured on parameters keeping only men in mind? In the age of technology and gender equality, students can't be taught about such prejudices. Women have equal right over jobs with men", she was quoted as saying.

The teacher had challenged the regressive statement and filed the complaint a month ago, but has not received any reply from the women’s commission.

In a chapter on economic challenges in the social science textbook, a passage explains how unemployment has increased in the country since it attained independence and that one of primary reasons for this was due to women taking up jobs in all sectors.

"Commission will acknowledge the issue immediately and agreeing on the objection, I would personally write to chief minister and minister for education to consider the matter. Women are integral part of human resources in today's age who are equally competent to men. They can't be held responsible for unemployment in country," said Harshita Pandey, women's commission member.