The National Commission for Women (NCW) has sought an explanation from a senior IAS officer over her "inappropriate and highly objectionable" remark to a student who asked about affordable sanitary napkins.

According to media reports, when the girl student from Bihar asked why the government could not provide sanitary pads, Harjot Kaur Bhamra responded, "Tomorrow, you attain the age of family planning and you would expect the government to provide 'nirodh' (condoms) too."

The NCW said it had observed that such an "insensitive attitude" from a person in a responsible position was condemnable and extremely shameful.

"NCW has taken cognizance of the matter. Chairperson Rekha Sharma has written to Harjot Kaur Bhamra, IAS, seeking an explanation over her inappropriate and highly objectionable remarks," the women's panel said in a statement.