Haryana govt suspends magazine which described women’s veil as ‘identity of state’

The magazines include the publication in which a photo caption describing ‘ghoonghat’ (veil) as the “identity of the state” sparked controversy.

Publication of five Haryana government magazines, including the publication in which a photo caption describing of ‘ghoonghat’ (veil) as the “identity of the state” sparked controversy, have been temporarily suspended over complaints pertaining to their delayed circulation.

The recent issue of Krishi Samvad carries a photograph of a veiled woman. (Haryanasamvad.gov.in)

The magazines, published and distributed free of cost by the state government, include Krishi Samvad, Haryana Samvad, Haryana Review (English), Ubharda Haryana (Punjabi) and Tamir-e-Haryana (Urdu).

There were complaints of delayed distribution and non-distribution of these magazines. A senior official in the chief minister’s office (CMO) told HT that there were allegations that even MLAs were getting the issues of these magazines.

“It was also alleged that the March issue of Haryana Samvad was circulated in June which had reports on Haryana tableaus at the Republic Day in Delhi and even the governor’s address during the budget session held in March,” he added.

The government clarified that decision to suspend the Krishi Samvad, in which the photo caption appeared, was not linked to the controversy.

“The decision to temporarily suspend the publication had been taken before the veil issue made headlines. The decision was because of the complaints, mainly pertaining to quality of the matter these magazines published,” a senior functionary at the CMO said.

State cultural affairs minister Kavita Jain also stated that it was not in the wake of the picture of the veiled woman that publications have been suspended for the time being.

“It is because of the many complaints pertaining to their circulation and I would like to streamline the entire process,” she said.