'Want condoms too?' row: IAS officer apologises after NCW rap; Nitish hints action

Bihar IAS officer Harjot Kaur Bhamra has apologised a day after she kicked up a storm with her 'insensitive' reply to a female student's question about sanitary pads.

Patna/New Delhi: After facing massive online flak for asking a Patna schoolgirl if "she wants condoms too" when the latter questioned why the government cannot give free sanitary pads, IAS officer Harjot Kaur Bhamra issued a public apology on Thursday saying she did not intend to humiliate anyone.

“I express regret if my words hurt any girl's sentiments. I didn't intend to humiliate anyone or hurt anyone's sentiments," the officer said. In a video that has now gone viral on social media, Bhamra, who is the managing director of Bihar Women Development Corporation, left everyone stunned with her reply after the student asked why the government cannot provide sanitary pads at Rs 20-30.

Responding to the student, Bhamra said, "tomorrow you will expect the government to give you family planning methods and condoms too". Meanwhile, the student, who had asked her about the sanitary pad, reacted to the entire row and said, “My question (on sanitary pads) wasn't wrong. They aren't a big thing, I can buy them but many live in slums and can't afford them. So, I asked the question not just for myself but for all girls. We went there to keep our concern and not to fight.”

National Commission for Women also took cognizance of the IAS officer's remarks. The Commission observed that "such insensitive attitude from a person at a responsible position is condemnable and extremely shameful". "NCW has taken cognizance of the matter. Chairperson Ms Rekha Sharma has written to Ms Harjot Kaur Bhamra, IAS seeking explanation over her inappropriate and highly objectionable remarks.

The Commission has sought a written explanation for the remarks given by her to the students. The reply must be communicated within seven days," the NCW said in a statement on Thursday.

Meanwhile, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has also hinted that action may be taken against the IAS officer. “Orders are in place to inquire into the issue which I learnt about through newspapers. We are committed to providing all assistance to the state's women. If the IAS officer's behaviour is found to be against that spirit, action will be taken,” Kumar said.