BHOPAL: National Commission for Women (NCW) Chairperson Mamta Sharma whose remark that the word "sexy" should not be taken in a negative connotation had sparked a controversy, today said that she stood by her statement on the issue.
"I have not withdrawn my statement and I stood by it.
With time the meaning of such words also changes," Sharma told reporters when asked on the issue.
She was speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a programme organised by an NGO here.
When further pressed on the issue, Sharma retorted by asking mediapersons whether they agree with the kind of vulgar content being shown on television these days.
"Today nobody can watch television programmes at home with his/her family, but nobody said anything about it," she said.
When asked whether she supports West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who recently appealed people to not watch news on television, Sharma said she did not endorse the chief minister's announcement of launching a news channel and a newspaper.
The NCW chief had drawn the ire of women's rights activists over her remark at a function in Jaipur in February that the word "sexy" meant "beautiful and charming" and should not be taken in a negative sense.
"I was positive in my approach so I said that. One should take it in a positive sense," she said.
However, when reporters tried to corner her on her argument, she virtually ended the press conference at that point and got up.
Earlier, referring to rising instances of crime, the NCW chief said that Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh are the only states in the country where maximum atrocities are committed against women.
The state government's ignorance on this issue is highly unfortunate, she said.
To a question about the absence of Madhya Pradesh Women Commission's members in the programme presided over by her, Sharma said that they should have attended as the concerned NGO had also invited them.
About the programme, she said that about 400-500 women have highlighted about various crimes, including rape, committed against them and the NCW has taken a cognizance of the same.
The NCW will write to Madhya Pradesh chief minister, chief secretary and the DGP asking them to ensure that appropriate action is taken in this regard.