Patna- The Bihar Police have started a crackdown on the public playing of what they consider “vulgar” and “double-meaning” Bhojpuri songs, after concerns were raised that these songs erode women’s safety and dignity. The action comes days after there was controversy over a song by popular rapper Yo Yo Honey Singh, which created outrage in the state.
A directive issued by Bihar’s Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) for Weaker Sections, Amit Kumar Jain, on March 7, has asked top police officials to initiate a special campaign to stamp out public transmission of songs inappropriate in nature. The directive, issued to all Regional Inspector Generals (IGs) and Deputy Inspector Generals (DIGs) in the state, stresses upon joint efforts to stop the transmission of such songs.
Under the directive, police are mandated to recognize and take immediate action against people and groups engaging in the public performance or broadcasting of Bhojpuri songs containing explicit or double-meaning lyrics that are considered offensive. The songs have been reported to be associated with eroding the safety and dignity of women and promoting a culture where objectification and disrespect of women are acceptable.
The order mandates police officials to register First Information Reports (FIRs) under Section 296/79 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (Indian Penal Code), 2023, and other relevant sections. This action will serve as a deterrent against public release of such songs and conveys a stern message about the state’s resolve to protect women’s rights and dignity.
Apart from registering FIRs, the Bihar Police have been mandated to launch special campaigns to increase awareness regarding the ill effects of such songs and their influence on society. The order clearly indicates that the police must actively intervene in local societies to make people aware of the need for safe media consumption, while also sternly acting against lawbreakers.
The decision comes after a series of public outrage against various Bhojpuri songs, especially in rural Bihar where these songs are popularly consumed and played during social events and public gatherings. A number of the songs feature offensive lyrics deemed humiliating for women, some of which also support misogynistic culture and the normalisation of violence against women.
The action has been greeted with a range of responses by various stakeholders. While women rights activists and NGOs have applauded the move, terming it a necessary step in curbing gender inequality-promoting content, there have also been concerns regarding censorship and repression of regional cultural articulations. Bhojpuri music holds a profound cultural importance in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, and it is also claimed that the genre as a whole should not be judged because of the conduct of a select few.
But Bihar police assert that they are trying to get rid of songs that have a direct detrimental effect on society, especially women’s safety. The department assured the public that it will be acting in unison with local media, community leaders, and educational institutions in encouraging a positive and respectful depiction of women in the entertainment world.
This clampdown is also a reflection of increasing concerns regarding media power and its ability to shape public behavior, particularly where entertainment has become combined with traditional values. The police action to tackle this matter directly reflects the government’s devotion to providing a safer society for women and bringing to account those responsible for perpetuating negative cultural practices.
As the campaign is rolled out in Bihar, it remains to be seen if this will create a broader discussion about the place of music, media, and entertainment in shaping social attitudes towards women. For the time being, however, the spotlight is on tidying up the public airwaves and acting swiftly against the airing of inappropriate content.
The post Bihar Police Cracks Down on “Vulgar” Bhojpuri Songs, Orders Special Campaign to Protect Women’s Dignity appeared first on Global Governance News- Asia's First Bilingual News portal for Global News and Updates.
