‘Fixed salary, transport’ for bar dancers

Mumbai: A week after the Supreme Court directed Maharashtra government to grant licences to dance bars, the state has decided to introduce new legislation to regulate them. The laws will introduce provisions for a fixed salary, the dancers will be dropped home after work and will have the right to choose working hours.

"The CM has said some norms will be introduced some measures will be taken up so the dignity of women is preserved and their livelihood as well," said Minister of State (Home) Ranjit Patil.

The new laws will come as a relief to thousands of women like 39-year-old Protima, who driven by poverty and desperation, had taken up work at a dance bar 10 years ago.

But their livelihood was at stake after the state police cracked down on dance performances in bars for the first time in 2005. Later, the state bought in a law banning dance routine in all establishments except Five-Star hotels.

After the top court had quashed the law in 2013, another law banning dance bars altogether was passed unanimously without a debate in June 2014.