A group of Dalits here have raised objections over the content of a Punjabi novel distributed among school girls to read during summer vacations. Published by Udaan Publications, the novel 'Maaru Thal', penned by Harchand Gill Mayani, allegedly carried some objectionable and vulgar references to Dalit women.
Students of the Girls High School, Khyala Kalan, in the district were given the novel by school authorities to read during summer vacations. A part of the novel talks about illicit relationships.
"Class-7 girls, who are even less than 12-year-old, were given these books having sexual and obscene matter. Books were distributed free of cost to the students on the instructions of the district education officer," said, Darshan Rathi, BSP's Mansa unit president.
"We have filed a complaint with the senior superintendent of police against the publisher and the education authorities, besides the writer for insulting the community. We demand criminal proceedings against the people behind this act," said Rathi.