'Should the government also distribute condoms?' says IAS officer to student; NCW seeks explanation, Bihar govt to take action

PATNA: The Bihar government is preparing to take action against the IAS officer who mocked a school girl by asking if "she wanted condoms too" when she asked for affordable sanitary napkins at a workshop organized in the eastern state of Bihar.

In the event, the girl had asked IAS officer Harjot Kaur Bhamra, the MD of Bihar Women and Child Development Corporation, if the corporation could provide them the sanitary napkins in cheaper amounts. However, the IAS Bhamra seemed upset with the question and asked is there is any end to the demands.

"Today you are asking for sanitary, tomorrow you will need jeans, then good shoes and when the question of family planning will arise, you will ask for condoms too," she replied.

The National Commission for Women (NCW) on Thursday took cognizance of the incident. The Commission has sought a written explanation for the remarks that IAS officer Harjot Kaur Bhamra, who is also the MD of Bihar Women and Child Development Corporation gave to the students.

"The reply must be communicated within seven days," said NCW after coming across various social media posts regarding the "embarrassing" incident.

Later, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar ordered an investigation.

With the incident becoming controversial, the IAS officer came up with an explanation stating that she gave such a reply so that girls can achieve self-sufficiency.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has responded to the media that strict action will be taken if the IAS officer is found guilty under investigation.