UP Governor Anandiben Patel Says Women Should Become 'Expert Mothers' Before IAS Officers

Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel has sparked debate over gender roles after saying women should strive to become " expert mothers " before aspiring to become IAS officers or teachers. Speaking at the 41st convocation of Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University (CSJMU) , she said professional success should not come at the cost of family responsibilities.

"Whether you become an IAS officer or a teacher, first become an expert mother. Everyone should know how to cook the food prepared at home," Patel said, while encouraging women to continue their education and careers after marriage and contribute to both family and nation-building.

The Governor urged parents to stay involved in their children's lives even after they enter educational institutions, warning that inadequate supervision could negatively affect their future. She also raised concerns about drug abuse near university hostels , claiming a Raj Bhavan monitoring team uncovered narcotics allegedly being supplied through food delivery containers before administrative action dismantled the network.

Emphasising value-based education , Patel linked rising crimes against women and domestic violence to declining moral standards, saying academic degrees alone cannot address social challenges.

The convocation awarded degrees to 1,07,713 students , with women securing nearly 82 per cent of the medals . Priya Yadav received the Chancellor's Gold Medal, while Patel also launched DigiLocker-based digital degree distribution for over 1.07 lakh graduates.

Patel's remarks come amid a broader national debate on women's empowerment, gender equality and work-family balance . Supporters say they underscore the importance of family values and parental responsibility, while critics argue that prioritising motherhood over professional aspirations reinforces traditional gender stereotypes and risks undermining women's autonomy and career ambitions.