Assam Assembly praises Padman; MLAs for free napkins to women

Guwahati, February 23, 2018:

Legislators of Assam Assembly has praised Bollywood movie Padman for creating awareness on menstrual hygiene and also demanded the distribution of free sanitary napkins to women, especially in rural areas.

BJP MLA Mrinal Saikia requested the government to make the R Balki directed movie tax-free and screen it in rural areas.

"The film has beautifully presented a sensitive issue. Because of unhygienic napkins during periods, women can be affected by many diseases. Moreover, since our childhood, we have been taught that it is like the issue of untouchability," another BJP MLA Angoorlata Deka said.

She said many village panchayats in other states have appointed "Pad Men" too aware people and demanded that the Assam government distribute sanitary napkins for free or at a minimum cost in schools.

Congress MLA Nandita Das said Assam had a scheme to distribute sanitary napkins free of cost since 2015, but it is not functioning at present.

Assam Assembly Deputy Speaker Dilip Kumar Paul asked Parliamentary Affairs Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary to talk to the health minister, who is not present at the House, and see if free napkins can be distributed in schools and among women self-help groups.