Sunday, May 8 2005 11:32 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Mumbai: In the face of Maharashtra Government's decision to ban dance bars, scores of girls from dance bars across the State are now demanding alternative employment.

"We want an alternative livelihood", is the popular refrain at all their demonstrations, protest marches and various messages being sent to the Government of Maharashtra.

For 25-year-old Sheetal, who has 22 mouths to feed at home, a regular job would be a pre-requisite if she is forced to hang up her dancing shoes.

"We are ready to take up some other form of employment but it must be one that can feed 22-mouths back home. A salary of Rs 3000 is a strict no ", she says.

What then was her expectation? And she quotes a whopping Rs 50,000 monthly! "Why what is so surprising? I earn that much money monthly and if the Government is keen that I drop my dancing shoes, it must be ready to compensate me adequately. How do you expect me to feed 22 mouths with Rs 3000"? says the Mumbai-based dancer. Sheetal says her family comprised minors and largely women members. The few male members were ailing and one was handicapped.

But Sheetal neither feels exploited nor wallows in self-pity: "Why, what is wrong if my family depends on me? I take pride that I single-handedly can feed so many mouths", she said.

Nineteen-year-old Beena from Kolkata said that she is ready to take up an alternative job but echoes remuneration must be satisfactory.