Cong objects to Guj govt's move to give saffron cycles to

Opposition Congress today objected to Gujarat government's move to distribute saffron- coloured bicycles to girl students of backward class, saying the colour embarrasses them as it gives away their financial status and caste.
However, the government defended its decision claiming that the colour ensures safety of girls on roads at night as saffron reflects light of other vehicles.
The BJP government has shifted to saffron from the standard black bicycles which are distributed to school-going girls of backward class category under the 'Sarswati Sadhna' scheme.
During Question Hour, Congress MLA Ashwin Kotwal raised his objection claiming that girls feel shy to use these bicycles as the colour creates discrimination.

He said saffron is causing embarrassment to girls as everyone is aware that saffron bicycles are given free to those who are poor or backward.
Kotwal stated that girls who use these bicycles are labelled as "poor" or "backward" by others.

He asked the state government if it wanted to address this issue and change the colour to a regular colour like black but the idea was turned down.
In his reply, Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Dilip Thakor said black is not an auspicious colour but saffron is.
Social Justice Department Minister Ramanlal Vora quickly added that saffron colour is better than black when it comes to safety of girls who use bicycles during night as well.

"Saffron colour gives better reflection than black colour during night. When these girls drive the bicycles towards their homes during night, other vehicles can detect their presence easily. To ensure their safety, we give saffron coloured bicycles instead of black," he said.
Seeking to corner the government, senior Congress MLA Shaktisinh Gohil sought to know whether government is considering passing an order to paint all vehicles sold in Gujarat in saffron for safety purpose.
"Kotwal has raised a very genuine issue that saffron colour creates discrimination. However, if government feels that saffron colour provides more safety and reduces accidents, then saffron should be used in all vehicles. Does the government wish to do that for the larger good of public," Gohil said.

However, Vora evaded a direct reply to the query.