New Delhi: Days after a Class-XI girl student from Danapur in Bihar spoke out against gender bias and narrated how her parents refused to get her admitted to the science stream, despite scoring high marks in her matriculation exams, Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan stepped in on Sunday and directed the district collector to take remedial measures.
Khushboo, who now studies humanities at an intermediate college in Patna, was interviewed by News18 Bihar Jharkhand on March 8 (International Women’s Day). That was when the girl spilled the beans and said how biased her parents are against girl children.
“While the boys in the family are allowed to choose their streams, the fate of the girls is decided by our parents. While boys are given mobile phones to study, we have no access to them. I wanted to study science and become a doctor. My mother insisted that I would be allowed to choose, only if I score 400 marks or more out of 500 in the matriculation exams,” a teary-eyed Khushboo had said.
“I scored 399 marks (79.8%) in the matriculation exams and was packed off to Patna from Danapur to study humanities. This is how women continue to be treated in our society,” she added.
The interview, once telecast, led to a furore among netizens. Many of them sought the intervention of authorities, to ensure that Khushboo gets to study the subjects she wants. Finally, Dharmendra reacted to the situation.
He interacted with the girl and her parents over video call on Sunday and assured Khushboo that her dreams will come true. “I have already spoken to the district collector. He will get you admitted to the science stream. Which college do you wish to join?” the minister asked.
“Any good college will do,” the beaming girl said.
“That’s good. Consider your aspirations fulfilled. Just study hard to meet your dreams,” Dharmendra said.
