Bar girls could dance to a new tune

Mumbai: Dance bars in Mumbai, accused of corrupting the youth and fostering crime, were closed down by the state government last year.

But, if Deputy Chief Minister, R R Patil, responsible for banning dance bars, has his way, former bar dancers could now be answering the call of duty instead of catcalls of customers in a nightclub.

The bar dancers have to be in the age group of 18 to 35 years, with a minimum academic record of having studied till standard VII to be able to take home a salary of Rs 75 for every 10 hours of work.

“Those girls who meet the criteria and complete necessary training will be absorbed in the Home Guards,” Deputy Chief Minister Maharashtra, R R Patil says.

President of the Bharatiya Bar Girls’ Union, Varsha Kale says, “Those who are willing to join can complete training while the bars are shut and then join the force, This will help restore their dignity and is a positive step."

Meanwhile, majority of the dancers have welcomed the move. But given the Government's track record with rehabilitation, this move is being taken with a pinch of salt.

“This is insulting. Everyone on the street knows we are former bargirls. A new job will not help us get rid of the stigma,” a former bar dancer, Vaishali Haldankar says.

The last year has definitely been a difficult one for the out of work bar dancers. But, they remain hopeful that the latest opportunity will not only give them a job but will also help alter society's myopic view.

(With Inputs from Deborah Grey)

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