Mr Rawat made the comments on Tuesday at a workshop organised by the Uttarakhand State Commission for Protection of Child Rights in Dehradun.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Tirath Singh Rawat has debuted in his new role with controversial comments on women wearing ripped jeans and how they cannot – he feels — provide the right environment at home for children.
He said he was shocked to see a woman running an NGO in ripped jeans, and was concerned about the example she was setting for society.
“If this kind of woman goes out in the society meet people and solve their problems, what kind of message are we giving out to society, to our kids? It all starts at home. What we do, our kids follow. A child who is taught the right culture at home, no matter how modern he becomes, will never fail in life,” said the Chief Minister.
He expressed his distaste for “bare knees” being exposed by children and bemoaned the fact that while the west followed India’s yoga and covering their body, “we run towards nudity.”
“Kaynchi se sanskaar (culture by scissors) – showing bare knees, wearing ripped denim and looking like rich kids – these are the values being given now. Where is this coming from, if not at home? What is the fault of teachers or schools? Where am I taking my son, showing his knees and in tattered jeans? Girls are no less, showing their knees. Is this good,” he said.
Newly appointed cabinet minister Ganesh Joshi, on similar lines, had earlier said all women should focus on raising good kids. “Women talk about all things they want to do in life, but the most important thing for them is to look after their family and kids,” the 59-year-old former army man said.
Sanjay Jha (@JhaSanjay) Tweeted: Wearing “#rippedjeans” destroys our culture, it seems. It leads to substance abuse. And a societal breakdown. Women should strictly avoid this sacrilege against our pristine customs, says Uttarakhand CM.
Dear BJP, this is your CM Tirath Singh Rawat: Do you endorse this? https://t.co/9pGQdkxZKp https://twitter.com/JhaSanjay/status/1372065636432576512?s=20
Sanjay Jha (@JhaSanjay) Tweeted: A society getting ripped on divisive politics is fine. But “#rippedjeans” destroys our great culture.
Kya baat hai! https://twitter.com/JhaSanjay/status/1372066803094937600?s=20
“Is this the mentality of Chief Minister? In this modern India where are we heading,” asked the Youth Congress in a tweet.
