Dance bars will remain closed: Deshmukh

The Maharashtra government will not go back on its decision to close dance bars in the state, Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh said on Monday.

It is, however, open to proposals for rehabilitating women affected by the decision if they lose their right to livelihood, he said

"It is a policy decision taken by the state cabinet and therefore there is no question of going back on it," Deshmukh told reporters on the sidelines of a function to mark the golden jubilee of the Geet Ramayan in Pune.

Asked about the opposition to the decision from certain sections of the ruling Congress, including Union Minister Sunil Dutt, Deshmukh said they had every right to hold their personal opinions.

He reiterated the government's resolve not to give in to pressure from any quarter. In fact, the work to ensure the closure of dance bars would begin shortly, he added.