Legislators of Assam Assembly today praised Bollywood movie 'Padman' for creating awareness on menstrual hygiene and demanded 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" to aware people and demanded that Assam government distribute sanitary napkins for free or at a minimum cost in schools.
Congress MLA Nandia 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.
Patowary assured the House that the government will take necessary step to create awareness in the society for use of sanitary napkins.
"In 2017-18, the Centre had sanctioned Rs 3.9 crore for purchasing 6.12 lakh sanitary napkins. For 2018-19, we have sent a proposal of Rs 6.20 crore to benefit 6.45 lakh girls," Patowari said.
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