Legislators of Assam Assembly on Thursday, showered praise on Akshay Kumar starrer Padman for creating awareness about menstrual hygiene.
They also demanded distribution of free sanitary napkins to women, especially in rural areas. Mrinal Saikia BJP MLA, also requested the movie to be screened in rural areas and make it tax free.
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BJP MLA Angoorlata Deka said, “The film has beautifully presented a sensitive issue. Because of unhygienic use of napkins during periods, women are affected by many diseases. Moreover, since our childhood, we have been taught that it is an issue like untouchability,”.
She demanded that Assam Government should distribute sanitary napkins for free or at a nominal cost in schools. She also informed that many village panchayat’s in other states of the country have appointed “Pad Men” to create awareness about using sanitary napkins during periods.
Congress MLA Nandita Das informed that Assam had a scheme to distribute sanitary napkins free of cost since 2015, but it is not functioning at present.
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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.
Chandra Mohan Patowary assured the House that the government will take necessary step to create awareness about the issue.
“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,” Patowary said.