Bihar paan seller offers free condoms

In an innovative way to create awareness about population control, a paan seller in Bihar has been offering his customers a free condom with each betel leaf.

“I have been giving free condoms to all those who visit my shop for paan. Free condoms attract many, and it also helps create awareness about population control,” said Nandlal Sah of Katihar district, who runs his stall in Phalka bazaar.  Sah, in his early 40s, said, “It is my small effort or contribution to help population control.”

He said some NGOs, medical representatives and others have been providing him condoms for free distribution. “But for some time I have had to purchase condoms after I failed to get them from NGOs or medical representatives on time,” Sah said.Free distribution of condoms also “boosted my paan business as some people consume paan for a free condom,” Sah added. “I have also persuaded nearly 300 women for sterilisation till date.” 

Bihar is one of the most densely populated states. 

Two years ago, the Bihar government launched a major initiative to stabilise population and train adolescents on reproductive health and family planning.