Patna: An IAS officer reacted strongly to a student who raised a question about distribution of sanitary napkins to women at low cost. The incident took place during a debate program organized by the Child and Women Welfare Department for students studying in class 9-10 in Bihar.
The school student’s question was whether the government can supply sanitary napkins to girls for Rs 20-30. But ‘tomorrow you will say that the government should provide jeans, and then you will expect the government to provide family planning, ie condoms,’ said Harjot Kaur Bhamra, an IS officer.
The student’s answer was that the votes of the people make the government. The officer’s next reply was that that thought was crazy. ‘Don’t vote, is the intention to become Pakistan? They also asked if you will vote for money and convenience. But the girl asked back that she is Indian and why should she be in Pakistan?
Then came another child’s question about the sorry state of the bathroom at the school. But ‘Do you have a separate toilet at home? The officer’s answer was, if you always ask for many things in many places, how can it be done? Why do you think the government should provide everything? This thinking is wrong. They explained that you should do it yourself
The incident became controversial after the video of the conversation with the students came out. But the officer replied that his comments had been misinterpreted. She has been leading many activities for women’s rights and empowerment. He also responded that such arguments are meant to destroy her value in society. Bhamra is also the principal secretary of the department.
