Patna: In a move against the growing menace of obscene and caste-inciting songs in public spaces, the state art and culture department has written to the home department seeking strict action to curb their broadcast at markets, public events, vehicles, wedding functions and other social gatherings.
The letter, issued by art and culture department secretary Pranav Kumar on Tuesday and copied to all district magistrates and superintendents of police, urged authorities to take necessary steps to check the public playing of obscene, double-meaning and caste-based songs.
Art and culture minister Pramod Chandravanshi clarified that the government had not sought a blanket ban on such songs. “But the government has asked all the DMs and SPs to take strict action and punish those found playing such songs in public places. If someone wants to listen to such songs at home, the government will not intervene,” he said.
The department warned that such songs were contributing to obscenity, violence, mutual hatred, animosity and social unrest instead of promoting harmony and brotherhood.
“The broadcasting of these songs makes the general public uncomfortable, especially negatively impacting women and children, thereby polluting the social and cultural environment,” the letter stated. “It is necessary to maintain the dignity of Bihar’s rich folk culture, traditions, and folk languages. Obscene and double-meaning songs are not only against social values but also inappropriate from the perspective of public decorum and law and order. This is a serious and pressing social problem that is severely impacting women, children and society as a whole,” it added.
The move has drawn support from political parties. RJD spokesperson Mritunjay Tiwari said action should be taken against vulgar songs but Bihar’s folk culture must not suffer. “There should not be any vulgarity in the songs played in public,” he said.
Backing the initiative, Congress spokesperson Asit Nath Tiwari said, “Congress always believes that preservation of linguistic civilisation is the government’s responsibility. Mothers and sisters feel embarrassed by vulgar songs and when caste-inciting songs are played at public places and markets,” he said.
Bihar Police had launched a similar statewide crackdown before Holi this year when Samrat Choudhary held the home portfolio.
